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Thinner intoxication manifesting as methemoglobinemia

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Abstract

Lacquer thinner, commonly used for removing household paints is known to contain mixture of various arometic hydrocarbons; halogenated hydrocarbons and naptha, if ingested may rarely cause methemoglobinemia. We report a 3 year old child who presented to us with history of accidental ingestion of thinner, used for removing household paint. Child was having cyanosis with minimal tachypnoea & the colour of his blood was cholcolate brown. Later methemoglibulin level estimations were also done, which were suggestive of this daignosis. Child was managed conservatively with oxygen therapy & vital monitoring, which lead to complete recovery and discharge from hospital later.

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Correspondence to Sanjay Verma.

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Verma, S., Gomber, S. Thinner intoxication manifesting as methemoglobinemia. Indian J Pediatr 76, 315–316 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-009-0059-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-009-0059-4

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