Mercury Poisoning A Diagnostic Challenge

TEZER H., Kaya A., Kalkan G., Erkocoglu M., Ozturk K., Buyuktasli M.

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE, cilt.28, sa.11, ss.1236-1237, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 28 Sayı: 11
  • Basım Tarihi: 2012
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1097/pec.0b013e31827208b0
  • Dergi Adı: PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1236-1237
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: mercury poisoning, chelation therapy, rash, respiratory distress, EXPOSURE
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Clinical features of mercury poisoning are nonspecific, and a detailed history is very valuable. The silvery, shiny appearance of mercury makes it very exciting and attractive for children. The overall half-life of elemental mercury in the body averages approximately 2 months. Chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid is the treatment of choice if the urine or blood level of mercury is high or the symptoms are profound. Here, we describe a 14-year-old boy with fever, respiratory distress, and body rash. Investigation leading to a diagnosis of mercury poisoning was made only after his mother presented with the similar symptoms a few days later.