Haemolytic jaundice in a neonate after intra-amniotic injection of methylene blue.

Premature rupture of the fetal membranes is associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and correct diagnosis is important. Generally diagnosis is simple, but in difficult cases obstetricians have used several techniques to differentiate between leaking liquor and urinary incontinence, including injecting dye into the amniotic cavity. The original report of this technique used Evans's blue as the marker,' but more recently methylene blue has been used. Although there are apparently no harmful effects of this dye on the mother, toxic effects on the baby, particularly haemolysis and hyperbilirubinaemia, have been noted.2-4