Methylene Blue Improves the Hepatopulmonary Syndrome
Authors: David A. Groneberg, Axel Fischer
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2001)

Letters4 September 2001Methylene Blue Improves the Hepatopulmonary SyndromeDavid A. Groneberg, MD and Axel Fischer, MDDavid A. Groneberg, MDCharité, Humboldt-University; D-13353 Berlin, Germany (Groneberg), (Fischer)Search for more papers by this author and Axel Fischer, MDCharité, Humboldt-University; D-13353 Berlin, Germany (Groneberg), (Fischer)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-135-5-200109040-00017 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:The article by Schenk and colleagues (1) on using methylene blue for treatment of the hepatopulmonary syndrome extends a previously published case report (2) and provides some interesting insights. However, the study had various limitations, such as a short follow-up period and missing data on patients' outcomes. It is reported that methylene blue normalized Pao2 in five of seven patients, but the period of normalization is not stated. Apart from providing details of follow-up, data should have been given on renal and hepatic function, as pointed out by Fallon (3). A central question is whether this therapy ...References1. Schenk P, Madl C, Rezaie-Majd S, Lehr S, Müller C. Methylene blue improves the hepatopulmonary syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133:701-6. [PMID: 11074903] LinkGoogle Scholar2. Rolla G, Bucca C, Brussino L. Methylene blue in the hepatopulmonary syndrome [Letter]. N Engl J Med. 1994;331:1098. [PMID: 8090178] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Fallon MB. Methylene blue and cirrhosis: pathophysiologic insights, therapeutic dilemmas [Editorial]. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133:738-40. [PMID: 11074907] LinkGoogle Scholar4. Gachot B, Bedos JP, Veber B, Wolff M, Regnier B. Short-term effects of methylene blue on hemodynamics and gas exchange in humans with septic shock. Intensive Care Med. 1995;21:1027-31. [PMID: 8750129] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. Peter C, Hongwan D, Küpfer A, Lauterburg BH. Pharmacokinetics and organ distribution of intravenous and oral methylene blue. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2000;56:247-50. [PMID: 10952480] CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Charité, Humboldt-University; D-13353 Berlin, Germany (Groneberg), (Fischer) PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoMethylene Blue Improves the Hepatopulmonary Syndrome Peter Schenk , Christian Madl , Shahrzad Rezaie-Majd , Stephan Lehr , and Christian Müller Methylene Blue and Cirrhosis: Pathophysiologic Insights, Therapeutic Dilemmas Michael B. Fallon Methylene Blue Improves the Hepatopulmonary Syndrome Peter Schenk , Stephan Lehr , and Christian Müller Metrics Cited ByHepatopulmonary Syndrome and Portopulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary Vascular Complications of Liver DiseasePulmonary Complications of Portal HypertensionHepatopulmonary SyndromeHepatopulmonary SyndromeShortness of Breath in the Patient with Chronic Liver DiseaseEffect of chronic methylene blue administration on hypoxemia in rats with common bile duct ligationPulmonary Manifestations of Liver DiseasesPrise en charge du syndrome hépatopulmonaireHepatopulmonary syndrome: a concern for the anesthetist? Pre-operative evaluation of hypoxemic patients with liver diseasePulmonary Complications Associated with Portal Hypertension 4 September 2001Volume 135, Issue 5Page: 380KeywordsGuanosine monophosphateHalf lifeMethylene blueNitric oxidePharmacokineticsRoutes of administrationShockTransplantation ePublished: 4 September 2001 Issue Published: 4 September 2001 CopyrightCopyright © 2001 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...