EFFECT AND OUTCOME OF HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF MERCURY IN NEWBORN AND INFANTS

BACKGROUND Oral mercury administration in newborns and infants is being followed as traditional practice in some rural areas around Chidambaram, Tamilnadu. The symptomatology is similar to a systemic illness like septicaemia. Failure to recognize the administration can lead to neonatal demise. MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a descriptive study and was conducted during March 2003 to March 2017 for a period of fourteen years. Newborns and infants admitted with the history of mercury administration or their X-ray abdomen showing mercury pellets were included while those with congenital anomalies and preterm babies were excluded. They were further investigated and treated, on the basis of the presentation. RESULTS Total children in the study was forty three neonates and infants, twenty five (58.13%) were given mercury on the first day of life for acrocyanosis. Thirty eight babies (88.37%) became symptomatic on third to fifth day of administration. The common presentations were refusal of feeds, abdominal distension and respiratory distress. All cases were treated symptomatically. Of 43 babies, 31 improved without any complications and 12 babies developed paralytic ileus. Ten babies died with progressive rise in liver enzymes and jaundice, despite the intervention. CONCLUSION Health education and awareness must be spread in the community regarding mercury toxicity. Long term effects of mercury should be studied further, as the mercuric salts can be retained in various organs of the body for many years.