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What Causes Methemoglobinemia?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015
Question: my kid is 3 years old and she is suffering from Methemoglobinemia. how to find out if it is conginental or acquired. Her Methglobin levels are at 12% now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
enzyme assays

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
I have seen the attached pictures.
Based on your description it looks like your son has probably acquired methemoglobinemia.
If congenital the bluish discolouration would have been present from birth.
In your child's case it is been there for a month.

Specific enzyme assays for diaphorase 1 and pyruvate kinase will identify congenital.
But these tests are not readily available in XXXXXXX
Follow up with your doctor and I do hope that levels will come down.
If not discuss with your doctor about these enzyme assay tests.
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (1 hour later)
i heard there is a genetic test to know if its conginental or not and its done in Cochin.is there any other way to confirm if its acquired or conginental.any specific symptoms becoz all her tests are normal,her physical development is normal. Is there any treatment for this .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you can try enquiring

Detailed Answer:
If all her tests are normal and physical development is normal then congenital is less likely.
The genetic test you mentioned is enzyme test.
You can enquire further and get it done if you want to be completely sure.
Treatment for congenital is difficult, will require prolonged use of vitamin c or Methylene blue.
But acquired is easily treated with these and has good outcomes.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (9 hours later)
she has been given riboflavin 10mg per day for best results with this issue, is that dose ok or is it high dose for 3 years kid.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
normal

Detailed Answer:
That dose is ok.
You can continue.
Regards
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1959 Questions

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What Causes Methemoglobinemia?

Brief Answer: enzyme assays Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. I have seen the attached pictures. Based on your description it looks like your son has probably acquired methemoglobinemia. If congenital the bluish discolouration would have been present from birth. In your child's case it is been there for a month. Specific enzyme assays for diaphorase 1 and pyruvate kinase will identify congenital. But these tests are not readily available in XXXXXXX Follow up with your doctor and I do hope that levels will come down. If not discuss with your doctor about these enzyme assay tests. Regards Dr Arun