[Accidental oral mercurochrome poisoning].
Neonatal mercury poisoning, especially that due to merbromin ingestion, is uncommon. We describe the case of a 10 day old newborn infant who was given mercurochrome orally for 7 days due to misunderstanding of medical instructions. Initial symptoms included loss of appetite and low weight increase. Elevated blood mercury concentrations were found. Chelating therapy with dimercaprol was initiated and the patient's evolution was good. We discuss the potential toxicity of mercury and emphasise the importance of the transmission of information by physicians, especially to the immigrant population.
Ayala Curiel J
Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital General de Segovia. javiayala@mixmail.com
Nieto Conde C
Santana Rodríguez C
Urbón Artero A
Gracia Remiro R
D000059:Accidents; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004112:Dimercaprol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008622:Merbromin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning*; D008628:Mercury / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002614:Chelating Agents; D004112:Dimercaprol; D008628:Mercury; D008622:Merbromin