Q: Why are Smurf’s Blue?
A: Methaemoglobin (MetHb) of course!
– MetHb is produced by oxidisation of the Iron in Haemoglobin (Hb) from Fe2+ to Fe3+
– Fe3+ prevents Hb carrying oxygen (thus produces symptoms of hypoxia)
– Often due to chemical ingestion, but may also be genetic
– Treated with Methyl Blue & supportive measures
