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Methemoglobinemia due to topical pharyngeal anesthesia during endoscopic procedures

Authors Vallurupalli S

Published 1 December 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 137—142

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/LRA.S12227

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Srikanth Vallurupalli
Southern Illinois University College of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA

Abstract: Acquired methemoglobinemia is a known complication of topical anesthesia during endoscopic procedures. Benzocaine has been implicated in a majority of cases and has been removed from some hospital formularies. However, a lot of uncertainty exists about the risk factors for this uncommon complication. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge of this condition and describe known risk factors. Anesthetic and patient-specific risk factors are described along with some hypothetical procedure-related factors. Clinicians should identify patients who are at high risk and apply appropriate postprocedure screening. Prospective studies are needed to further our knowledge and improve patient safety.

Keywords: acquired methemoglobinemia, topical anesthetics, oxidative stress, endoscopy, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

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