[Metoclopramide and neonatal methaemoglobinemia]

Abstract

We report the case of a five-day-old newborn with cyanosis. After exclusion of pulmonary and cardiac illness, methaemoglobinemia was diagnosed. Cyanosis is the first symptom of methaemoglobinaemia. Numerous causes of methaemoglobinemia have been described, with congenital and acquired forms, which are the most frequent. We discuss here the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of acquired methaemoglobinaemia in newborns with special emphasis on forms secondary to metoclopramide toxicity.