DETERMINATION OF TREATMENT TIME AND EFFICACY WITH OXYGEN IN EXPERIMENTAL METHEMOGLOBINEMIA MODEL

Introduction: Methemoglobin, an abnormal form of hemoglobin, is one of the causes that should be considered primarily in severe central cyanosis. Methylene blue and ascorbic acid are used as the first-line therapies in methemoglobinemia. Experience with the use of oxygen therapy is not sufficient to conclude the duration of therapy. The aim of the present study is to find out the effects of oxygen therapy on drug or toxic agent-induced methemoglobinemia. Material and Method: First group rats (n=6) were administered 100 mg/kg prilocaine intraperitoneally, and the rats were kept at room temperature. The second group of oxygen group rats (n=6) were administered 100% oxygen at 10 liters/min. All rats were observed for 180 minutes, and blood gas and biochemical analyses were performed at the end of the experiment period. Results: Fifty percent of the rats in the room air group (n=3) died spontaneously at the end of the trial period, while all rats in the oxygen group (n=6) survived to the end of the trial period. When evaluated in terms of survival, a statistical difference was found between the groups (p <0.05). In addition, although there was a significant difference in oxygen saturation levels between the groups (p <0.05), there was no significant increase in partial arterial oxygen pressure, the primary determinant of oxygenation. Conclusion: This study revealed that rats are not suitable for this type of experimental study. Prilocaine doses did not cause high levels of methemoglobinemia due to mortality, so the goal and target could not be met. It has been concluded that this study can serve as a guide for choosing methodologies to be employed in planned future investigations of the topic.