Naphthalene-Induced Acute Oxidative Hemolysis With Methemoglobinemia in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency

Abstract

Naphthalene-induced acute hemolysis with methemoglobinemia is a rare condition that commonly affects patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. It commonly presents with anemia, jaundice and features of methemoglobinemia such as cyanosis and falsely low pulse oximetry. We present a patient with naphthalene-induced methemoglobinemia and discuss the clinical features, pathophysiology and management of this oxidative hemolysis. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of false-positive d-dimer and false-negative G6PD screening during acute hemolysis.