Faculty Collaboration Database

Safety of methylene blue dye for lymphatic mapping in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Am J Surg 2012 Nov;204(5):798-9

Date

05/12/2012

Pubmed ID

22575397

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2012.02.004

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84868549951 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   10 Citations

Abstract

Methylene blue dye has an important role in lymphatic mapping for sentinel lymph node surgery. A recent safety announcement from the US Food and Drug Administration warned physicians about possible serious central nervous system reactions in patients on serotonergic medications who received intravenous methylene blue for the identification of parathyroid glands. This report summarizes evidence from the Food and Drug Administration's announcement and methylene blue pharmacokinetics. The authors conclude that the use of methylene blue dye at low doses for lymphatic mapping likely carries very little risk for serotonin neurotoxicity, although breast surgeons should be aware of this potential complication in the event of mental status or neuromuscular changes in patients after lymphatic mapping.

Author List

Shah-Khan MG, Lovely J, Degnim AC

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Breast Neoplasms
Central Nervous System
Coloring Agents
Drug Interactions
Female
Humans
Methylene Blue
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
United States
United States Food and Drug Administration