THE RELATION OF METHEMOGLOBIN TO THE CYANOSIS OBSERVED AFTER SULFANILAMIDE ADMINISTRATION

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Abstract
Spectral distr. curves were obtained for normal human blood and the bloods of patients who were receiving sulfanilamide or sulfapyridine. The normal absorption spectra for oxy-Hb and Met-Hb were established. Spectrophotometric examinations were made in the range from 480 to 700 m[mu], using a Marten''s type polarization photometer in combination with a Bausch and Lomb spectrometer. The bloods of patients who became cyanotic following sulfanilamide therapy showed the characteristic absorption spectra for Met-Hb (rarely Sulf-Hb). A noticeable general increase in absorption of the blood from patients receiving sulfapyridine was observed in the red regions of the spectrum. No pigment other than Met-Hb (or sulfhemoglobin) was observed in sufficient quantities to contribute to the cyanosis. Following the intravenous adm. of methylene blue to the patients with methemoglobinemia, the bloods revealed the normal absorption spectra for oxyhemoglobin. In the present series the blood of only one patient receiving sulfapyridine showed the presence of Met-Hb. The cyanosis observed in man following sulfanilamide therapy is adequately explained by the presence of Met-Hb and rarely Sulf-Hb.

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