Adverse drug reaction, patent blue V dye and anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patent blue vital (PBV) dye is used for varied perioperative indications, and has a potential for causing life-threatening allergic reactions. In this retrospective case series study, at a tertiary level neurosciences centre, we analysed the nature, management and outcome of adverse drug reaction to the preoperative use of PBV for marking vertebral level prior to back surgeries. METHODS: Patients were identified from the theatre and radiology database. Data were collected from the patients’ notes retrieved from the medical records division. RESULTS: Eleven of 1247 (0.88%) patients experienced adverse reactions: 6 (0.48%) patients had minor grade I reactions (urticaria, blue hives, pruritis or generalised rash), 4 (0.32%) had grade II reactions (transient hypotension/bronchospasm/laryngospasm) and grade III reaction (hypotension requiring prolonged vasopressor support) was noted in 1 (0.08%) patient. No mortality was seen. The time of onset (range 10–45 min) frequently coincided with induction of anaesthesia or prone positioning of patient. Seven (63.6%) cases were cancelled or postponed (range 2–63 days). Treatment varied independent of the grade of reaction. Allergy workup (often incomplete) was done for 6 (54%) patients. CONCLUSION: An awareness of the time of onset and infrequency of life-threatening reactions to patent blue dye may result in better management, less postponement, more complete workup and referral of these events.