ArticleCase reports in nephrology2026
Mercury in Retrograde: The Tale of Toxicity.
Article in Case reports in nephrology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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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.
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.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Mercury in Retrograde: The Tale of Toxicity.Case reports in nephrology · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Introduction: Mercuric chloride is a highly toxic inorganic compound with historical medical use but severe potential for harm when ingested. Acute mercury poisoning is rare but can lead to multiorgan toxicity, particularly affecting the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent long-term sequelae and mortality. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old male with a psychiatric history presented one hour after intentional ingestion of five mercuric chloride tablets. He exhibited mild abdominal symptoms, and initial laboratory studies revealed proteinuria, glycosuria, and rising creatinine. Imaging showed echogenic kidneys, and serum mercury levels were markedly elevated at 840 μg/L. He was treated with oral dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), intravenous fluids, and gastrointestinal decontamination. Despite therapy, his renal function declined, with creatinine peaking at 9.6 mg/dL, requiring hemodialysis. Renal biopsy demonstrated acute tubular necrosis without immune complex deposition. After six sessions of hemodialysis and 16 days of chelation therapy, renal function and mercury levels improved, allowing discharge to psychiatric care. Discussion: Mercuric chloride exerts its nephrotoxic effects primarily through oxidative injury to proximal tubular cells, resulting in acute tubular necrosis. While chronic mercury exposure is more often associated with glomerular diseases, acute ingestion more typically causes tubular injury. Chelation with DMSA facilitates mercury elimination but may be insufficient when renal impairment occurs. In such cases, hemodialysis becomes essential for toxin clearance and metabolic support. This case underscores the importance of early, combined therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Acute mercuric chloride ingestion is a medical emergency that can cause life-threatening renal toxicity. Timely initiation of chelation therapy and supportive measures, including hemodialysis, are crucial for recovery. This case demonstrates that even in severe presentations, multidisciplinary management can result in favorable outcomes.
Identifiers
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Registered trials
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.