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.