Iatrogenic exposure to mercury after hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants.

Stajich, G V; Lopez, G P; Harry, S W; Sexson, W R · J Pediatr · 2000

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

Thimerosal, a derivative of mercury, is used as a preservative in hepatitis B vaccines. We measured total mercury levels before and after the administration of this vaccine in 15 preterm and 5 term infants. Comparison of pre- and post-vaccination mercury levels showed a significant increase in both preterm and term infants after vaccination. Additionally, post-vaccination mercury levels were significantly higher in preterm infants as compared with term infants. Because mercury is known to be a potential neurotoxin to infants, further study of its pharmacodynamics is warranted.

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