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Massive hemolysis following inhalation of volatile nitrites
Author(s) -
Bogart Lee,
Bonsignore Justine,
Carvalho Angelina
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.2830220314
Subject(s) - hemolysis , inhalation , medicine , intensive care medicine , anesthesia
Volatile nitrites are drugs which have become widely used for their mood‐altering and aphrodisiac effects. Their use has been associated with methemoglobinemia and mild hemolysis; more significant hemolysis has been noted in a patient with G6PD deficiency. We report here a case of massive hemolysis following inhalation of volatile nitrites in the absence of an apparent intrinsic red cell defect. It is important that health care workers are aware of side effects from these commonly abused substances.