A 26-year-old woman was recently diagnosed with HIV with a CD4 count of 136 cells/mm3. She has a history of developing a rash when taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, so dapsone has been started for Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis. She returned 1 month later for evaluation of shortness of breath, light-headedness, and difficulty walking more than about 20 feet. On examination, her lips appeared blue. Pulse oximetry reveals an oxygen saturation of 87% on room air, and arterial blood gas demonstrates a PaO2 of 99 mmHg. A blood sample is drawn, and the tube of blood appears chocolate brown in color.
Which one of the following is the most likely cause of this illness?

Figure 1 (Image Series). Conversion of Hemoglobin to Methemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a protein contained within the red blood cells and it is comprised of four globular protein subunits (a heterotetramer). Each of the subunits contains a heme group and the center of each heme group contains iron, which is the site of oxygen binding. This rendition shows hemoglobin A, which consists of two alpha and two beta subunits.
Source: Cognition Studio, Inc.

Figure 1B. Methemoglobin
Methemoglobin results from the change of the ferrous (Fe2+) state to the ferric (Fe3+) state. The Fe3+ does not effectively bind oxygen.
Source: Illustration by David Ehlert, Cognition Studio
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Question Last Updated
January 29th, 2025
January 29th, 2025
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