Mortality Following Rasburicase-Induced Methemoglobinemia

Abstract

Methemoglobinemia is a rare adverse effect associated with the use of rasburicase and occurs most often in patients with G6PD deficiency. G6PD testing should not be ordered during active hemolysis or after blood transfusion because this may lead to false-negative results. Methylene blue should not be used as an antidote because it may worsen hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency.