Methylene blue treatment for moderate-to-severe cases of acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 infection: clinical outcomes—a prospective study

ABSTRACT

Background: We studied the real-life experience with Methylene blue administration among the moderate and severe cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to Covid-19 infection with the standard of care. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective, single-center study including 103 hospitalized patients conducted in a tertiary healthcare center from June 2020 to July 2021. The route of administration of Methylene blue was through nebulization (0.5 mL 0.5% solution of Methylene blue + 2.5 mL of distilled water) three times a day as long as the patient was admitted. An ampoule of 10 mL of Methylene blue with 90 mL of potable water through oxygen port was administered as long as they needed oxygen. About 2 mg/kg body weight of Methylene blue in 300 mL of N.S. over 3 h was given once a day for 5 days. Results: Approximately 103 patients were seen with a mean age of 56.49 years. The most prevalent comorbid condition was diabetes. The SpO2 improved by 7.827%. On post-Methylene blue administration, the serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer were reduced in comparison to pre-Methylene blue administration. Also, the average total length of stay was 14 ± 4.20, 13 ± 5.66, and 14 ± 3.50 days in 26.78% of patients in intensive care unit, 17.51% of patients in high dependency unit, and 58.71% of patients in Covid general ward, respectively. About 86.4% of the patients recovered and got discharged post-Methylene blue administration. The all-cause mortality was 13.59%, which could be due to underlying comorbidities and complications of Covid-19 infections. Conclusion: Methylene blue administration accelerated recovery in our patients with moderate and severe Covid-19 disease by controlling the hyperimmune response. The clinical improvement was seen by decreased levels of inflammatory markers, improved oxygen saturation, reduced length of hospital stay, and clinical improvements. Methylene blue administered in nebulization form, through oxygen port, and through intravenous infusion in the dose of 2 mg/kg body weight for 5 days and improved patients’ recovery, so it can be considered as a therapeutic option in moderate and severe Covid-19 disease.