A Case of Acute Hemolytic Anemia and Methemoglobinemia Induced by Massive Dapsone Intoxication / 대한혈액학회지

ABSTRACT

Dapsone toxicity is evidenced by varying clinical pictures ranging from deep cyanosis in an otherwise alert normal appearing individual to restlessness, dyspnea, extensive hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, sulfhemoglobinemia and serious central nervous system dysfunction. We experienced a case of acute massive dapsone intoxication in 34 years old man due to voluntary ingestion of 25g of this drug as a suicide attempt. A severe methemoglobinemia developed, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, intense cyanosis, headache, and dyspnea. Subsequently moderate hemolytic anemia observed. The patient recovered completely after intensive treatment with methylene blue, activated charcoal hemoperfusion, oral charcoal ingestion, steroid, and conservative treatment. Methylene blue was given by continuous intravenous infusion in order to avoid overdosage. We herein report a case of the acute hemolytic anemia and severe methemoglobinemia induced by massive dapsone intoxication with a review of the literature.