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  • Title: [Unexplained cyanosis in two newborns: neonatal methemoglobinemia after maternal perineal infiltration of prilocaine].
    Author: Wieland BV, Leijten A, van der Heijden HHACM, van de Laar R, Ten Brink F, Alers NO.
    Journal: Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd; 2021 Jul 01; 165():. PubMed ID: 34346590.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Methemoglobinemia is a rare cause of neonatal cyanosis in the newborn. It is considered a medical emergency. Failure of recognition or appropriated treatment could result in serious disease and neonatal death. Neonatal methemoglobinemia can be caused by both hereditary and acquired factors. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present two cases of newborns who developed severe cyanosis a few hours after birth due to methemoglobinemia. This was thought to be related to the local maternal perineal infiltration of prilocaine during childbirth. Though rare, prilocaine is the most potent agent to induce methemoglobinemia compared to other local aneasthetics. After intravenous administration of methylene blue, both newborns fully recovered. CONCLUSION: Neonatal methemoglobinemia is a rare and potentially fatal complication of local anesthetics, particularly prilocaine, administered to the mother during childbirth. Midwives, obstetricians, gynecologists and pediatricians should be aware of this complication. The use of other local anesthetics, including lidocaine, should be considered.
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