Iatrogenic exposure to mercury after hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants.
Thimerosal, a derivative of mercury, is used as a preservative in hepatitis B vaccines. We measured total mercury levels before and after the administration of this vaccine in 15 preterm and 5 term infants. Comparison of pre- and post-vaccination mercury levels showed a significant increase in both preterm and term infants after vaccination. Additionally, post-vaccination mercury levels were significantly higher in preterm infants as compared with term infants. Because mercury is known to be a potential neurotoxin to infants, further study of its pharmacodynamics is warranted.
Stajich
G V
GV
Mercer University, Southern School of Pharmacy, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
Lopez
G P
GP
Harry
S W
SW
Sexson
W R
WR
D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013849:Thimerosal