Anemia megaloblástica aguda por inalação de óxido nitroso em doente com patologia autoimune múltipla.

L Barbosa; I Leal; A T Timóteo; T Matias

doi:10.20344/amp.1798

Acute megaloblastic anemia caused by inhalation of nitrous oxide in a patient with multiple autoimmune pathology.

Authors

L Barbosa Serviço de Medicina, Hospital de S. José, Lisboa.
I Leal
A T Timóteo
T Matias

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.1798

Abstract

Although megaloblastic anemias are generally regarded as chronic conditions of insidious appearance, a megaloblastic state can arise over the course of only a few days due to acute folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. One of the most common causes, though seldom reported, is the nitrous oxide (N02) action in tissue. In fact N02, a volatile substance commonly used in anaesthesia, destroys methylcobalamin, leading to the rapid development of a megaloblastic haematopoiesis. This phenomenon may occur in patients without previous vitamin B12 deficit, but is more frequent and severe when there is a pre-existent deficiency state. A case report is described of a patient with femoral fracture who developed acute anemia after surgery and a latent pernicious anemia was revealed upon investigation.

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How to Cite

Barbosa L, Leal I, Timóteo AT, Matias T. Acute megaloblastic anemia caused by inhalation of nitrous oxide in a patient with multiple autoimmune pathology. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2000 Dec. 30 [cited 2025 Apr. 13];13(5-6):309-12. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/1798

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Issue

Vol. 13 No. 5-6 (2000): Setembro-Dezembro

Section

Arquivo Histórico

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