Siblings with pediatric sodium chlorite toxicity causing methemoglobinemia, renal failure and hemolytic anemia

Introduction: Over the past decade, Miracle Mineral Solution (sodium chlorite) has been promoted as a cure-all for many conditions.

Case report: A 9-year-old boy presented with his brother after they accidentally ingested a small amount of undiluted 22.4% sodium chlorite. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Oxygen saturation remained 71% despite supplemental oxygen (15L/min). The patient was noted to have dark chocolate-appearing blood, minimal urine output, diffuse pallor and cyanosis. He developed methemoglobinemia, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy and hemolysis requiring blood transfusion.

Discussion: These are the 7th and 8th reported cases of sodium chlorite toxicity by ingestion and the second and third in children. Takeaway for Physicians: Miracle Mineral Solution is a commonly purchased potentially lethal compound that can cause methemoglobinemia with respiratory failure, hemolytic anemia requiring transfusion and renal failure requiring dialysis.

Keywords: Chlorine dioxide; Hemolytic anemia; Methemoglobinemia; Miracle mineral solution; Renal failure; Sodium chlorite.