As abnormally high levels of hemoglobin derivatives rise, there are increasingly detrimental effects. Since these forms of hemoglobin do not permit the transfer of oxygen, the effects on the body are related to lack of oxygen to the tissues, which can result in tissue death.
The following values, except sulfhemoglobin, represent the percentage of hemoglobin derivatives based on total hemoglobin:
Carboxyhemoglobin:
- 20% symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning begin to appear
- 30% severe carbon monoxide poisoning present
- 50-80% results in fatal carbon monoxide poisoning
Methemoglobin:
- 10-25% results in cyanosis
- 35-40% results in shortness of breath and headache
- over 60% results in lethargy and stupor
- over 70% results in death
Sulfhemoglobin
- values of 10 gm/dl result in cyanosis, but do not produce toxic effects
Note:
- lower levels are hemoglobin derivatives produce the same effects in children.
- gm/dl = grams per deciliter
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