Blue dyes, blue people: the systemic effects of blue dyes when administered via different routes

J Clin Anesth. 2007 Jun;19(4):315-21. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2007.01.006.

Abstract

We report 4 patients who had facial color changes to a blue-green-gray color and decreased oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry. Patient 1 received an intravenous (IV) methylene blue solution during a urologic procedure, and the remaining three patients were administered subcutaneous indigo carmine (patient 2) or Patent Blue (Patients 3 and 4) for axillary lymph node mapping. All patients had above normal methemoglobin levels. Two (Patients 2 and 3) had hypotension, and one (Patient 3) required IV ephedrine to restore hemodynamic stability. Patient 4 had a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by systemic urticaria and blue-colored subintegumentary edema due to the subcutaneous administration.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiac Output / drug effects
  • Color
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indigo Carmine / administration & dosage
  • Indigo Carmine / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Methemoglobinemia / chemically induced
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage
  • Methylene Blue / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Rosaniline Dyes / administration & dosage
  • Rosaniline Dyes / adverse effects*
  • Skin

Substances

  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • Indigo Carmine
  • sulfan blue
  • Oxygen
  • Methylene Blue