Mercury levels in premature and low birth weight newborn infants after receipt of thimerosal-containing vaccines.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We conducted a population-based pharmacokinetic study to assess blood levels and elimination of mercury after vaccination of premature infants born at > or =32 and <37 weeks of gestation and with birth weight > or =2000 but <3000 g.

Study design

Blood, stool, and urine samples were obtained before vaccination and 12 hours to 30 days after vaccination from 72 premature newborn infants. Total mercury levels were measured by atomic absorption.

Results

The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) birth weight was 2.4 +/- 0.3 kg for the study population. Maximal mean +/- SD blood mercury level was 3.6 +/- 2.1 ng/mL, occurring at 1 day after vaccination; maximal mean +/- SD stool mercury level was 35.4 +/- 38.0 ng/g, occurring on day 5 after vaccination; and urine mercury

SUBMITTER: Pichichero ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2767297 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature