1,4-diaminobenzene and diphenylamine-induced severe methemoglobinaemia treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Case report

Abstract

Methemoglobin is an oxidized form of hemoglobin that is not capable of carrying oxygen. Exposure to exogenous oxidizing agents can cause severe methemoglobinemia and subsequent hypoxia. This article presents the rare case of a 23-year old patient with methemoglobinemia of 54.2% of total hemoglobin, induced by workplace exposure to 1,4-diaminobenzene and diphenylamine. Following the hyperbaric oxygen therapy the patient was discharged in good general condition and referred to a district hospital for observation. Med Pr 2018;69(3):345–350

Keywords

• intoxication
• methemoglobinemia
• methemoglobin
• hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• hyperbaric chamber
• antidote