Shades of blue: A case series of sodium nitrite poisoning

Abstract

Suicide by sodium nitrite poisoning is increasing. All deaths related to ‘sodium nitrate’, ‘sodium nitrite’ and ‘methaemoglobinaemia’ at a Sydney mortuary from 2001 to August 2021 were reviewed. Nineteen cases were identified. Three were excluded in which the cause of death was ‘methaemoglobinaemia’ or ‘unascertained’. The remaining 16 cases had a history of ingesting sodium nitrite or sodium nitrite was found at the scene. There were equal numbers of males and females with an average age of 37.5 years (range 16–79 years).