METHEMOGLOBINEMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Methemoglobinemia is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal increase in the levels of methemoglobin in the blood. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that is unable to release oxygen effectively to the body's tissues. Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, binding to oxygen molecules in the lungs and releasing them in other tissues.
In methemoglobinemia, there is a disruption in the normal conversion of ferrous iron (Fe2+) in hemoglobin to ferric iron (Fe3+), resulting in the formation of methemoglobin. This alteration in the iron molecule's configuration prevents the efficient release of oxygen to tissues and organs, leading to a lack of oxygen supply.
The condition can be hereditary, caused by an inherited deficiency of the enzyme diaphorase, which is responsible for converting methemoglobin back into functional hemoglobin. Acquired methemoglobinemia can result from exposure to certain chemicals, such as aniline derivatives or nitrites, which can convert normal hemoglobin into methemoglobin.
Symptoms of methemoglobinemia can vary depending on the level of methemoglobin present in the blood, but commonly include cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and a rapid heart rate. Severe cases may even lead to coma or death if left untreated.
Treatment options for methemoglobinemia depend on the severity of symptoms and the individual's overall health. Administration of methylene blue, a medication that helps convert methemoglobin back into functional hemoglobin, is a common approach. In some cases, exchange transfusions or hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be necessary. It is crucial to identify and address any underlying causes or exposures
Common Misspellings for METHEMOGLOBINEMIA
- methemoglobeenemia
- methemoglowbinemia
- m ethemoglobinemia
- me themoglobinemia
- met hemoglobinemia
- meth emoglobinemia
- methe moglobinemia
- methem oglobinemia
- methemo globinemia
- methemog lobinemia
- methemogl obinemia
- methemoglo binemia
- methemoglob inemia
- methemoglobi nemia
- methemoglobin emia
- methemoglobine mia
- methemoglobinem ia
- methemoglobinemi a
Etymology of METHEMOGLOBINEMIA
The word "Methemoglobinemia" is composed of three parts:
1. "Methemo-" comes from "methemoglobin", which refers to an altered form of the protein molecule hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Methemoglobin, however, cannot bind to oxygen properly, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
2. "-Globin" comes from the word "globin", which refers to a type of protein present in hemoglobin.
3. "-Emia" is a suffix that refers to a condition of the blood.
Therefore, "Methemoglobinemia" literally means a condition of the blood characterized by the presence of methemoglobin.
