Membranous nephropathy due to chronic mercury poisoning from traditional Indian medicines: report of five cases

Abstract

Mercury contained in traditional medicines can cause chronic poisoning, which can cause membranous nephropathy (MN). We report five cases of nephrotic syndrome caused by MN with evidence of chronic mercury poisoning due to consumption of traditional Indian medicines such as Siddha and Ayurveda, which to our knowledge are the first such reports. All patients were seronegative for antibodies against phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R). Two patients, who had severe nephrotic syndrome, had received Siddha medicine for prolonged period and oral chelation with dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid was successful in eliminating mercury, resulting in an improvement in nephrotic state in these patients. We suggest that mercury poisoning should be entertained in patients with anti-PLA2R antibody-negative MN, with history of consumption of traditional Indian medicines.

Epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and follow-up of mercury poisoning in China: a retrospective analysis

“…However, MN was also observed following the inappropriate use of CFRs [13]. The results of this study are consistent with those of most international mercury poisoning cases and reports [33] that used small samples. In addition, it contributes to the treatment and prognosis of mercury poisoning induced by mercury-containing CFRs.…”

Membranous Nephropathy Associated With Indigenous Indian Medications Containing Heavy Metals

“…3 Reports of indigenous Indian medication intake as a cause of MN are scarce. 4 In this study, we report our experience with MN resulting from exposure to indigenous Indian medications containing mercury.…”

“…reported 5 cases of mercuryrelated MN from India. Other causes include vapor inhalation and injection of mercury 4. …”

Heavy Metals: The Notorious Daredevils of Daily Personal Care Products- Mini Review

“…Significant level of As and Hg was reported with Mohammad et al, 2017 in skin bleaching agents of Caribbean region [50] As used in skin cream and make-up powder causes skin problems, lung cancer, circulatory and peripheral neuropathy, and increased risk of gastrointestinal and urinary tract malignancies [51,52]. Several recent and older studies reported nephrotic syndrome from repeated exposure of mercury and other heavy metals from skin lightening agent [53][54][55][56][57][58]. Dental amalgam has been used as a restorative treatment in dentistry for well over 170 years.…”