Abstract
Veeram is a local term used in Nothern Sri Lanka, for impure mercury (II) chloride. (HgCl2). We describe a case with acute, suicidal, mercury (II) chloride poisoning, who presented with confusion, acidosis and renal shut down. He was managed with mercury chelation using penicillamine, and acutre renal failure with hemodialysis. He made a complete renal recovery on discharge, and on follow up he did not have any neurological symptoms, and have made a complete clinical recovery. A discussion on the acute mercury poisoning follows.
Highlights
Mercury is a metallic, heavy liquid at the room temperature, and one of the few metals that is liquid at room temperature – Francium, Cesium and Gallium being others
We describe a patient who consumed mercuric chloride with suicidal intent, and presented with typical manifestation of mercury poisoning, acute kidney injury and gastrointestinal erosions
A 38 year old, male goldsmith was admitted with 2 days history of oliguria, progressing to anuria, facial puffiness and leg edema
Summary
Heavy liquid at the room temperature, and one of the few metals that is liquid at room temperature – Francium, Cesium and Gallium being others. Consumed about 600mg of Veeram, the exact dose of Mercury cannot be calculated as the purity of Veeram varies Soon after consumption he suffered burning sensation of the throat. His urine output gradually dropped and he developed facial and leg edema He was admitted to the hospital confused. A 38 year old, male goldsmith was admitted with 2 days history of oliguria, progressing to anuria, facial puffiness and leg edema. He gave a history of consumption of Veeram (mercury (II) chloride or mercuric chloride) three days back. Mercury chelation was tried with starting oral penicillamine 250mg 6 hourly simultaneously He underwent 6 cycles of hemodialysis, and started producing urine. He was assessed by the psychiatric team and is under their care
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