The topical application of solutions containing
mercury has remained popular in the
conservative management of the large
exomphalos, despite recent reports of high organ
mercury levels occurring in neonates who have died following this type of treatment. There are few reports of
mercury poisoning being recognized in survivors. This report records blood and urine
mercury levels in four patients with no apparent sequelae
after treatment with
Mercurochrome and provides guidelines for the safer use of mercurial solutions in the
conservative management of
exomphalos: one thin application of 1%
Mercurochrome be applied to the intact sac; thereafter,
Mercurochrome be applied sparingly only to areas that remain moist; blood and urine levels of
mercury be monitored routinely; and applications ceased whenever
mercury levels exceed the minimum toxic level. Only with this sparing and judicious use of mercurial solutions is the hazard to the infant kept to a minimum.