The Role of Nebulized Methylene Blue [NMB] in The Management of COVID-19 Cases: An Observational Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Medicine, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College [RDGMC], Ujjain, India

Abstract

Background: Many new drugs were studied for desired action in COVID-19 disease dynamics. One such molecule is Methylene blue which is a tricyclic phenothiazine compound approved for the treatment of acquired methemoglobinemia. This molecule has shown some evidence of inhibiting the interaction of the COVID-19 virus and target cells in a dose dependent manner. There are many other proposals suggesting that the mechanisms of action of Nebulized Methylene Blue [NBM] molecule could be beneficial to the management of COVID-19.
The Aim of the Work: To observe and evaluate the effect of NMB on the clinical course and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infections.
Patients and Methods: An observational study including a total of 63 COVID-19 RT-PCR positive cases divided in 3 groups.
Results: Difference between mean d-dimer value and mean lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] values at day sixth of the intervention among three different groups were statically significant. A general trend of reduced hospital stays in groups getting NBE in groups 1, 2 vs. group 3 was observed [Viz. 9.17 days Vs. 12 days] though statistically non-significant. Fall in inflammatory markers and oxygen requirements in group receiving methylene blue [Groups 1 and 2] vs. control [Group 3] are noticeable.
Conclusion: A general trend of fall in inflammatory markers and oxygen requirements among patients in groups receiving NMB. However, our results showed no significant differences in outcome measures for oxygen saturation and duration of hospitalisation among those receiving NMB.

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