Citation

Atti SK, Silver EM, Chokshi Y, Casteel S, Kiernan E, Dela Cruz R, Kazzi Z, Geller RJ. Curr. Probl. Pediatr. Adolesc. Health Care 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Emory University, 80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States; Georgia Poison Center, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: rgeller@emory.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.cppeds.2020.100758

PMID

32151591

Abstract

Three siblings with inhalational elemental mercury toxicity presented with fever, rash, and upper respiratory tract symptoms. The patients were heavily exposed to elemental mercury that was spilled in their home and then vacuumed. Initial whole blood mercury levels were elevated at >200 µg/L, 153 µg/L and 130 µg/L (Mayo Clinic Laboratories lab reference range <9 µg/L) for Cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All three required chelation with succimer. Clinically significant elemental mercury toxicity can resemble an infectious illness. Severe morbidity and mortality can be prevented if heavy metal poisoning is considered early, through a detailed history including an environmental exposure history. For elemental mercury spills in the home, safe and effective clean-up steps are needed. Improved public health education is needed to prevent similar household exposures.

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en