Dimercaptosuccinic acid loading test for assessing mercury burden in healthy individuals.

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.