Clinical manifestations and treatment principles of poisoning caused by metallic mercury injection at different sites
10.20001/j.issn.2095-2619.20240821
- VernacularTitle:不同部位注射金属汞所致中毒的临床表现和治疗原则
- Author:
Leyi XU
1
;
Jiaxin JIANG
;
Ying ZHANG
;
Jiabin CHEN
Author Information
1. School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, China
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Mercury;
Metallic mercury;
Injections;
Health damage;
Clinical manifestations;
Treatment principles;
Mercury poisoning
- From:
China Occupational Medicine
2024;51(4):466-471
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The appearance and degree of damage caused by metallic mercury injection at different sites were disparate, and different from common mercury poisoning. This study reviewed literature on poisoning caused by injection of metallic mercury in different body parts, summarized the health impairments and corresponding treatment principles. The causes of such accidents were mostly intentional injury or suicide, self-harm, with a minority due to feudal superstition, tattoos, and improper treatment. Subcutaneous or deep intramuscular injection of mercury primarily caused local inflammation reactions in the early stages. Intraocular injection might lead to inflammation, tissue necrosis, and blindness. Intravenous injection might lead to local or systemic acute reactions. The injection at local sites might cause harms to respiratory, nervous, urinary, and circulatory systems and reproductive health if individuals fail to boost mercury excretion promptly. For mercury treatment, the vacuum sealing drainage and extensive removal of deposits were preferred for mercury subcutaneous, muscular, or deep tissue injected individuals. For mercury intraocular injected individuals, the prompt surgical removal of mercury drops and, if necessary, enucleation of the eyeball were preferred. For mercury intravenous injected individuals, in addition to debridement surgery, treatment such as plasma exchange, hemoperfusion, hemodialysis, and bronchoalveolar lavage could be used. For mercury poisoning caused by injection in different body parts, mercury expulsion and symptomatic treatment are recommended, in addition to psychological therapy.
