Methemoglobinemia incidence after the application of lidocaine for small surgical procedures

Abstract

Objectives: Methemoglobinemia (MetHb) is a rare condition that may have mortal consequences. Literature shows cases of methemoglobinemia due to the use of lidocaine and other local anesthetics. This is a cross-sectional study to determine the incidence of methemoglobinemia after the application of lidocaine. Methods: In this study, 88 patients admitted to the emergency department of a university hospital between May 2014 and May 2015 and needed lidocaine application for small surgical procedures were included. When compared before and after the administration of lidocaine <2 mg/kg and >2 mg/kg, there was not a significant difference in the level of methemoglobin, hemoglobin, or in the hematocrit (p=0.604, p=0.502, and p=0.367, respectively). Results: Mean age of the patients was 33.85 (±17.58) years, and 83% of the patients were male. Methemoglobin levels were not significantly different before and after the procedures (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study were consistent with the literature; lidocaine-associated methemoglobinemia is a rare complication.