Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41705054›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in public health2026

Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of diseases caused by mercury overexposure: a systematic review of case reports and case series.

Yun Shi, Minyan Wang, Haojie Ni, Sisi Lin, Dieyu Ma, Zhizhen Zhou, Conghua Ji

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Mercury in Retrograde: The Tale of Toxicity.Case reports in nephrology · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Yun ShiSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Minyan WangSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Haojie NiSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Sisi LinSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Dieyu MaSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Zhizhen ZhouSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
Conghua JiSchool of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Mercury poisoning remains a serious public health issue due to its multiple exposure routes and diverse clinical presentations. However, existing clinical evidence is fragmented, especially regarding real-world case data. This study addresses the gap by systematically reviewing global case reports to analyze clinical features, diagnosis, and treatments, thereby offering more robust evidence for clinical practice. Methods: Case reports of diseases caused by accidental mercury exposure, published from January 1950 to April 2025, were identified through a comprehensive search of three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Following quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool, data extraction was conducted on demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, exposure sources, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes to facilitate further analysis. Results: This study analyzed 80 articles encompassing 126 cases of mercury poisoning, involving 61 males, 60 females, and 5 cases of unspecified sex. Patient ages ranged from 45-day-old neonates to 88-year-old adults. Clinical manifestations were diverse, primarily featuring systemic, respiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Domestic/environmental exposure was the most common poisoning route (59.5%), followed by medical/iatrogenic exposure (16.7%) and occupational exposure (13.5%). Elemental and inorganic mercury were the predominant forms involved. Treatment primarily included chelation therapy, supportive care, and pharmacological interventions. Chelating agents were administered to 84.1% of patients, with DMSA, Dimercaprol (BAL), DMPS, and D-penicillamine being the most frequently used. Outcomes included complete recovery in 48.4% of cases, death in 13.5%, and long-term sequelae in some patients. Conclusion: Mercury poisoning induces severe and multisystemic symptoms, notably neurological damage. Public awareness remains insufficient, and universally accepted diagnostic criteria are still lacking. This study highlights the urgent need to enhance public education, refine clinical guidance, and advance research toward standardized management protocols. Systematic review registration: CRD420251133420.

Indexed as

Environmental ExposureMercuryMercury PoisoningAdultAgedAged, 80 and overCase Reports as TopicChelating AgentsChildChild, PreschoolFemaleHumansInfantInfant, NewbornMaleMiddle AgedChelating AgentsMercurycase reportdiseasemercuryreviewtreatment

Identifiers

PMID41705054
PMCPMC12907422

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.