Urine Mercury Excretion Following meso-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Challenge in Fish Eaters

Abstract

Abstract Context.—Public awareness of methylmercury in fish has caused patients to seek testing for mercury poisoning. In some patients, the diagnosis of mercury poisoning has been made based on urine mercury excretions following oral dosing of meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), a metal chelator. However, studies comparing urine mercury excretion following DMSA in healthy non–fish eaters with healthy fish eaters could not be located. Objectives.—To describe urinary mercury excretion before and after DMSA in healthy fish eaters and non–fish eaters, and to determine whether urine mercury excretion after DMSA would rise above baseline levels to a greater extent in fish eaters. Design.—A total of 24 healthy physicians were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on fish consumption: non–fish eaters; 1 to 2 fish servings per week; and 3 or more servings per week. Blood mercury concentrations and 12-hour urine mercury and creatinine excretions were measured before and after oral ingestion of 30 mg of DMSA per kilogra...