title: Hair methylmercury: a new indication for therapeutic monitoring.
abstract: Maternal exposure to methylmercury can adversely affect fetal neurodevelopment. Long-term mercury exposure is best estimated by hair measurement of the metal. The authors analyzed the appropriateness of therapeutic monitoring of hair mercury in women of reproductive age using widely accepted criteria for therapeutic drug monitoring. The analysis reveals that such monitoring can help protect babies from long-term adverse effects, while ensuring appropriate maternal fish consumption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schoeman
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Bend
authors.forename: Gideon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Koren
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008628:Mercury / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D008628:Mercury