Anaesthetic Management of a Pregnant Patient with Methaemoglobinaemia Undergoing Emergency Caesarean Section

Abstract

Methaemoglobinaemia is a rare disorder where haemoglobin is oxidized to methaemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen efficiently. In pregnancy, unrecognized methaemoglobinaemia may pose risks to both mother and foetus. Congenital methaemoglobinaemia poses unique anaesthetic challenges, particularly in pregnant patients undergoing surgical interventions. We present the successful anaesthetic management of a young female at 32 weeks gestation who was diagnosed intraoperatively with congenital methaemoglobinaemia during an emergency lower segment caesarean section for preeclampsia with placental abruption.