Anaphylactic reaction after methylene blue-treated plasma transfusion

Br J Anaesth. 2011 May;106(5):687-9. doi: 10.1093/bja/aer009. Epub 2011 Feb 9.

Abstract

Methylene blue-treated fresh-frozen plasma (MB-FFP) is mainly used in Europe. The advantage of the methylene blue system is that units can be treated individually. The combined action of methylene blue and illumination is a photodynamic process preventing viral RNA and DNA replication. We report the first immediate allergic hypersensitivity reaction to methylene blue-treated plasma transfusion. The clinical course and subsequent assessment of the allergic reaction, including skin tests and basophil activation test, confirmed methylene blue-induced IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. All immediate reactions after MB-FFP transfusion should be investigated to document the underlying mechanism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / chemically induced*
  • Anaphylaxis / diagnosis
  • Basophil Degranulation Test / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylene Blue / adverse effects*
  • Plasma*
  • Skin Tests / methods
  • Virus Inactivation
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Methylene Blue