MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Methemoglobinemia

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Methemoglobinemia - acquired

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Blood cells

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Methemoglobin is an abnormal form of hemoglobin which is unable to transport oxygen. Methemoglobinemia can be an inherited disorder, but it also can be acquired through exposure to chemicals such as nitrates (nitrate-contaminated water), aniline dyes, and potassium chlorate.

Update Date: 2/6/2007

Updated by: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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