Asploro Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Case Reports

Asploro Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Case Reports

Jia-Li Jiang¹, Yi-Qin Xia^1*
1From the Emergency Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China

Corresponding Author: Yi-Qin Xia
Address: Emergency Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
Received date: 03 March 2024; Accepted date: 18 March 2024; Published date: 25 March 2024

Citation: Jiang JL, Xia YQ. Pancytopenia Caused by Nitrous Oxide Toxicity: Two Cases Report. Asp Biomed Clin Case Rep. 2024 Mar 25;7(1):79-83.

Copyright © 2024 Jiang JL, Xia YQ. This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords: Nitrous Oxide, Pancytopenia, Hematological, Vitamin B12, Bone Marrow Failure

Abbreviations: ED: Emergency Department; EMG: Electromyography; MCV: Mean Corpuscular Volume, MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; N₂O: Nitrous Oxide

Abstract

Recreational nitrous oxide (N₂O) is increasingly common among young people, leading to attendant health disadvantages. Related complications primarily involve the hematological and neurological systems. We report two relatively uncommon cases of pancytopenia due to substantial N₂O inhalation. One possible cause is that N₂O toxicity results in vitamin B12 inactivation and an insufficient intake of nutrients. The patient’s symptoms partially improved after cessation of N₂O inhalation and supplementation with vitamin B12. In conclusion, if the patients presented with unexplained bone marrow failure, a history of prolonged N₂O exposure should be considered, which would greatly help in early diagnosis, therapy, and the reduction of unnecessary costs.