Acquired methemoglobinemia–A sporadic Holi disaster

Objective To study clinical profile and outcome in patients with methemoglobinemia following exposure to toxic colors during Holi festival. Methods This retrospective study included 112 children (5 to 12 years) admitted with methemoglobinemia after playing Holi. Clinical and treatment details were reviewed. Results The common symptoms were giddiness, vomiting and headache. Treatment included thorough skin wash, intravenous fluid and methylene blue in 111 children. Age 7-9 and > 11 years, vomiting, giddiness, cyanosis, PaO2 < 80 mm Hg and oxygen saturation < 95% were associated with higher need for methylene blue. All children had a good outcome. Conclusion Timely diagnosis and management of acquired methemoglobinemia can save lives.