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Dimercaptosuccinic acid loading test for assessing mercury burden in healthy individuals
G P Archbold1, Roisin M McGuckin, N A Campbell
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast BT9 7AD, Northern Ireland, UK. pooler.archbold@bll.n-i.nhs.uk
Background:
Oral chelation tests have been used to try to define mercury toxicity in individuals with dental amalgams, who are suffering from a variety of non-specific symptoms.
Methods:
Self-reported healthy individuals volunteered to undergo an oral chelation test using dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight. Urinary mercury : creatinine ratios were measured pre-dose and 3 h post-dose.
Results:
Urinary mercury : creatinine ratios were similar to levels previously reported in individuals with symptoms that could have been attributed to mercury toxicity. One volunteer suffered a serious reaction to DMSA.
Conclusion:
The oral chelation test using DMSA may lead to misleading diagnostic advice regarding potential mercury toxicity and can be associated with serious side effects.
