What does methemoglobinemia do?
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Emily Harris
Studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Lives in Cambridge. Currently conducting research in the field of renewable energy.
As a hematologist with a focus on blood disorders, I can explain the effects of methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia is a condition in which there is a higher than normal level of methemoglobin in the blood. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that cannot effectively bind oxygen. This is because the iron atom in the heme part of the molecule is oxidized from the usual ferrous (Fe2+) state to the ferric (Fe3+) state, which impairs its ability to carry oxygen.
The primary effect of methemoglobinemia is a reduction in the blood's capacity to transport oxygen to the body's tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, and in severe cases, it can result in cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to the lack of oxygen.
Methemoglobinemia can be either congenital, meaning it is present from birth due to a genetic mutation, or acquired, which can result from exposure to certain chemicals or medications that can oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Treatment typically involves removing the cause of the condition, if possible, and in some cases, administering a medication called methylene blue, which can help convert methemoglobin back to normal hemoglobin.
The primary effect of methemoglobinemia is a reduction in the blood's capacity to transport oxygen to the body's tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, and in severe cases, it can result in cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to the lack of oxygen.
Methemoglobinemia can be either congenital, meaning it is present from birth due to a genetic mutation, or acquired, which can result from exposure to certain chemicals or medications that can oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Treatment typically involves removing the cause of the condition, if possible, and in some cases, administering a medication called methylene blue, which can help convert methemoglobin back to normal hemoglobin.
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Studied at the University of Barcelona, Lives in Barcelona, Spain.
To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin.
2023-04-12 14:03:36
Cameron Hall
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin.
