Pediatria pre prax 5/2011

Acute methemoglobinemia – serious alimentary intoxication caused by vegetable

Authors present a case report of a 2-year-old male who developed acute intoxication caused by nitrates following a large amount of ingested uncooked pumpkin. Clinical signs included partial loss of consciousness, vomiting and cyanosis. The level of methemoglobin reached > 0,3 (> 30 %). This condition required urgent tracheal intubation, artificial lung ventilation using 100 % oxygen and administration of antidote. Complete treatment was effective and led to the full-recovery of the patient. The definitive evidence of the cause of the condition was difficult, nevertheless convincing. The authors inform the medical community about dangerous alimentary intoxication of children who are fed seemingly healthy vegetables from unchecked origins.

Keywords: acute methemoglobinemia, nitrates intoxication, unregulated vegetable markets.