Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
https://www.bjan-sba.org/article/doi/10.1590/S0034-70942008000600011
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
Miscellaneous

Metemoglobinemia: do diagnóstico ao tratamento

Methemoglobinemia: from diagnosis to treatment

Tatiana Souza do Nascimento; Rodrigo Otávio Lami Pereira; Humberto Luiz Dias de Mello; José Costa

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Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVAS E OBJETIVOS: A metemoglobina é a forma oxidada da hemoglobina, que além de não se ligar ao oxigênio, aumenta a afinidade deste pela porção parcialmente oxidada da hemoglobina. A concentração aumentada da metemoglobina no sangue decorre de alterações congênitas e de exposição a agentes químicos diversos, resultando em quadro com múltiplos diagnósticos diferenciais, que se não tratado pode levar ao óbito. Foi feita revisão sobre o assunto, dando ênfase às informações relevantes para o manuseio clínico dos pacientes. CONTEÚDO: Quando a concentração sangüínea de metemoglobina está acima de 1,5% surge a cianose, característica principal da doença. Os pacientes apresentam sangue arterial de coloração marrom-escuro com a PaO2 normal. O diagnóstico deve ser suspeitado em pacientes que apresentem cianose e baixa leitura de saturação ao oxímetro de pulso (SpO2), sem que haja comprometimento cardiopulmonar significativo. A co-oximetria é o método padrão-ouro e define o diagnóstico. No tratamento dos pacientes devem ser considerados o caráter agudo ou crônico da síndrome (etiologia) e a gravidade dos sintomas. A concentração sangüínea de metemoglobina é importante, sobretudo nos casos agudos. O tratamento básico consiste na remoção do agente causador, administração de oxigênio e observação. Casos graves devem ser tratados com azul-de-metileno, antídoto específico, porém ineficaz em algumas situações. CONCLUSÃO: A metemoglobinemia é condição potencialmente grave, cujo diagnóstico depende do alto grau de suspeição. Em geral, os anestesiologistas, no período perioperatório, são os primeiros a detectarem o problema e devem liderar a condução do tratamento.

Palavras-chave

COMPLICAÇÕES, MONITORIZAÇÃO, MONITORIZAÇÃO

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Methemoglobin is the oxidized form of hemoglobin, which does not bind oxygen and increases the affinity of oxygen for the partially oxidized portion of hemoglobin. Increased levels of methemoglobin in the blood are secondary to congenital changes and exposure to several chemical agents, resulting in a disorder with several differential diagnoses, which it can lead to death if it is not treated. The objective of this report was to review this subject, emphasizing relevant information for the clinical management of patients with methemoglobinemia.
CONTENTS: When the concentration of methemoglobin in the blood is above 1.5%, the patient develops cyanosis, the main characteristic of this disorder. The color of the arterial blood changes to dark brown with normal PaO2. One should suspect the diagnosis in patients with cyanosis and low saturation (SpO2) without significant cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Co-oximetry is the gold standard and defines the diagnosis. Treatment should be based on whether the syndrome is acute or chronic (etiology) and on the severity of symptoms. Blood levels of methemoglobin are important, especially in acute cases. Basic treatment includes removal of the agent responsible for the disorder, administration of oxygen, and observation. Severe cases should be treated with the specific antidote, methylene blue, which is not effective in some situations.
CONCLUSIONS: Methemoglobinemia is a potentially severe disorder, whose diagnosis depends on a high degree of suspicion. In general, anesthesiologists are the first to detect the problem in the preoperative period and should lead the treatment.

Keywords

COMPLICATIONS: methemoglobinemia; MONITORING: pulse oximetry, co-oximetry.

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