The therapeutic use of 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate in two cases of inorganic mercury poisoning
J. R. Campbell, T. W. Clarkson and M. D. Omar
Two patients had heavy metal intoxication resulting from industrial
exposure to mercury vapors. One patient remained asymptomatic despite high
urinary mercury levels. The second presented with a documented toxic
reaction, including abnormal electromyograms and hematuria. Treatment was
begun with 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate, and investigational drug used
under Food and Drug Administration guidelines (IND 19,276). Use in both
patients resulted in a dramatic change in excretion half-life of the
mercury, from 33.1 days before treatment to 11.2 days during therapy. No
significant toxic effects related to drug therapy were observed. Clearing
of hematuria and reversal of electromyographic abnormalities were prompt in
the symptomatic patient. Therapy with 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate was
effective in these two patients.
