| In addition, the enzyme systems for reducing methemoglobin to oxyhemoglobin are incompletely developed in infants under six months of age. |
| Determine methemoglobin concentration of blood every 3 to 6 hours for first 24 hours. |
| When nitrite enters the bloodstream, it reacts with the hemoglobin and forms a compound called methemoglobin. |
| The level of change is approximately equal to the amount of carboxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin present. |
| Energy is also required to convert methemoglobin to oxyhemoglobin and to prevent the oxidation of other constituents of the red cell. |
| Methemoglobinemia is detectable by measurement of blood levels of methemoglobin and is manifested clinically as cyanosis and hypoxia. |
