Mercury poisoning: treatment, prevention and prognosis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Treatment
The main principle of treatment is the introduction into the body of dimercapto compound (Unitiol). This substance can form in the body complex soluble compounds that capture and remove the metal.
Such therapy is carried out by intravenous or intramuscular injection of the drug throughout the month.
Also, intravenous infusions of 30% sodium thiosulfate solution, 10-15 ml each, are used.
In recent years, experts recommend the treatment of mercury poisoning with the succimer mesodimercapto succinic acid. This remedy is not toxic and does not contribute to the development of side effects. It can be taken as an injection, by intravenous infusion, and for internal use. The succimer displays the mercury that circulates in the bloodstream, as well as the one that has already come from the blood into the organs and tissues.
Patients with chronic intoxication with mercury should undergo periodic treatment in sanatoriums, with the mandatory course of hydrogen sulfide baths.
Antidote
In acute poisoning with mercury, especially when salts such as nitrate, mercury dioxide or mercuric acid enter the digestive tract, the following drugs are used as an antidote:
- Unithiol - a preparation of two sulfhydryl groups, interacting with rattlesnake silver. As a result of this interaction, a non-toxic compound is formed, which removes the metal from the body with urine. The drug is contraindicated in gastric ulcer and high blood pressure.
- Succimer - meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, is capable of binding and removing metal from the body. The drug is used with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
- Penicillamine (Kuprenil) - dimethylcystine hydrochloride, in addition to removing mercury compounds from the body, also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is not used for kidney diseases. Simultaneously with the drug, as a rule, a diet rich in potassium is prescribed, with the restriction of products containing copper.
- Sodium thiosulfate - when exposed to the body demonstrates antitoxic, anti-inflammatory and desensitizing effect. In an acidic environment, the stomach decomposes with the release of sulfur and sulfurous anhydride.
- Tetazin-calcium - forms stable complex compounds with mercury ions, which are easily excreted through the urinary system. It is often used for inhalation intoxication with rattlesnake silver. If the digestive system is damaged, the stomach should be washed before use.
In domestic conditions, as an antidote for poisoning with mercury, use raw egg whites, whipped with water, or fresh milk.
[Prevention
To prevent mercury poisoning, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules for handling objects, instruments and preparations containing mercury, and also to explain the necessity of using such rules to the child.
Mercury thermometers should not be stored in a conspicuous place and without the original plastic packaging. Be sure to remove the thermometer in a case and hide away from children's pranks.
Used and damaged mercury lamps and thermometers are not allowed to be thrown into a normal waste bin.
If the integrity of the thermometer or mercury lamp is damaged in the room, it is necessary to take all measures to prevent mercury poisoning.
When symptoms of mercury poisoning appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Forecast
The prognosis of the health and work situation of the victim due to mercury poisoning is most often favorable. Only in the absence of treatment for severe poisoning and in the absence of first aid, a person can have serious health problems, up to disability.
Timely interruption of the metal and treatment usually gives a positive effect: after the symptomatic therapy, physiotherapy and recreation in the open air, the intoxication-induced symptoms are gradually docked.
At the same time, it should be noted that repeated poisonings and prolonged intoxication are characterized by a more severe course and less optimistic outcome. For this reason, after curing of intoxication, as well as after recovery of the body, patients must leave their previous place of work, which was the cause of permanent intoxication with metal, or insist on improving working conditions and eliminating the potential risk of repeated intoxication.
Workers of enterprises, periodically or constantly in contact with Hydrargyrum, must undergo regular physical examinations to prevent and detect mercury poisoning in time.