Immune Thrombocytopenia and Elemental Mercury Poisoning

Abstract

Three cases of severe mercury toxicity occurring within a family are reported. Two cases of thrombocytopenia occurred in this family and represent the second such report in the literature of an association between elemental mercury toxicity and thrombocytopenia. Three of the children presented with a combination of dermatologic and neurologic manifestations reminiscent of acrodynia or pink disease. Each of the four children in this family were treated with dimercaptosuccinic acid. The hazard of vacuuming spilled mercury and appropriate clean-up procedures are described.

Key Words:

• mercury
• poisoning
• thrombocytopenia
• immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• Succimer
• DMSA