Out of the Blue: ICU Managment of Sodium Nitrite Poisoning in a Suicidal Crisis

Authors

Stephen Lau, Beaumont Health Resident
Rizwan Ahmed, Beaumont Health Resident
Roy G. Soto, Beaumont Health

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-15-2023

Abstract

Sodium nitrite, a readily available meat preservative, is increasingly being used in suicides. Ingestion of even a single teaspoon can result in fatal methemoglobinemia. We present a case of a 21-year-old female with a history of suicide attempts who ingested a large quantity of sodium nitrite. She rapidly deteriorated, experiencing cardiac arrest requiring 2 rounds of CPR. Initial labs demonstrated a methemoglobin level of 55%. She was transferred to our institution for ECMO evaluation due to persistent hypoxemia. In this case report, we will discuss the identification and treatment of sodium nitrite poisoning.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, October 12-16, 2023, San Francisco, CA

Recommended Citation

Lau S, Ahmed R, Soto RG. Out of the blue: ICU management of sodium nitrite poisoning in a suicidal crisis. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting; 2023 Oct 15; San Francisco, CA.