Sulfhemoglobinemia

Sulfhemoglobinemia[edit | edit source]

Sulfhemoglobinemia is a rare condition characterized by the presence of sulfhemoglobin (SulfHb) in the blood. Sulfhemoglobin is an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells, that has been irreversibly modified by the binding of a sulfur atom.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of sulfhemoglobinemia is the exposure to drugs or substances that contain or can metabolize into sulfur. Such substances include:
Sulfonamides
Phenacetin
Metoclopramide
Nitrates
Some antibiotics
In rare cases, the condition can be idiopathic (without a known cause).

Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]

Patients with sulfhemoglobinemia often exhibit a characteristic cyanotic (blue-green) discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, as sulfhemoglobin cannot effectively bind and carry oxygen. This can lead to hypoxia, although most patients do not usually have significant symptoms unless the SulfHb levels are quite high.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of sulfhemoglobinemia is made by performing a blood test known as a methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia blood test. This test differentiates between methemoglobin, a similarly modified form of hemoglobin, and sulfhemoglobin.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is currently no known treatment for sulfhemoglobinemia. The body cannot naturally break down sulfhemoglobin, so the condition is typically managed by identifying and removing the source of sulfur exposure. Over time, the body will naturally replace the modified red blood cells with normal ones.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

In most cases, sulfhemoglobinemia is not life-threatening. However, severe or prolonged hypoxia can potentially result in organ damage, so individuals with this condition should be closely monitored.

References[edit | edit source]

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Sulfhemoglobinemia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/sulfhemoglobinemia
National Institutes of Health. (2023). Sulfhemoglobinemia. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470/
American Society of Hematology. (2023). Sulfhemoglobinemia. Retrieved from http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Blood-Disorders/Blood-Basics/5220.aspx

Sulfhemoglobinemia Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.