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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Mercury and neuromotor function among children in a rural town in Chile
Johan Ohlander1, Stella Maria Huber1, Michael Schomaker2
1a Center for International Health Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) at the Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine , University Hospital Munich (LMU) , Munich , Germany.
Background:
Mercury (Hg) exposure from artisanal gold mining has adverse effects on the neuromotor function in adults. However, few studies have examined this relationship in children.
Objectives:
To investigate the impact of Hg exposure on children's neuromotor function.
Methods:
Cross-sectional data on Hg risk factors and demographics were collected from n = 288 children (response = 68.9%). Based on complete cases (CCs) (n = 130) and multiple imputations (n = 288), associations between fingernail Hg and four different neuromotor function components were calculated using multiple logistic regression adjusted for confounders.
Results:
Of the children, 11.1, 14.9, 63.9, and 10.4% had pathologic pure motor skills, adaptive fine motor skills, adaptive gross motor skills, and static balance, respectively. No significant association between fingernail Hg and any neuromotor component was found. However, Hg burning in the household was significantly associated with children's pathologic pure motor skills (OR 3.07 95% CI 1.03-9.18).
Conclusion:
Elemental Hg exposure in the household might have adverse long-term effects on children's pure motor skills.
