Lead poisoning treatments
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Lead Poisoning Treatments: An Overview
Calcium Disodium Versenate (EDTA) for Lead Poisoning
Calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), also known as versenate, is a widely recognized treatment for lead poisoning. This synthetic chelating agent works by forming a soluble, non-ionized lead complex that is excreted in the urine, providing prompt relief from lead poisoning symptoms 1. However, while EDTA effectively removes lead from body fluids and soft tissues, it is less efficient in mobilizing lead stored in bones 1. Studies have shown that combining EDTA with other agents like ammonium chloride or para-thormone does not significantly increase lead excretion rates 1.
Succimer with Calcium and Ascorbic Acid
Succimer, another chelating agent, has shown promising results, especially when used in combination with calcium and ascorbic acid. Research involving both animal models and preschool children demonstrated that succimer alone can reduce lead levels in blood and bone and restore aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in blood. However, the combination of succimer with calcium and ascorbic acid was more effective in mobilizing bone lead and reducing blood lead levels (BLLs) 2. This combined treatment approach also resulted in a higher percentage of children achieving BLLs below 10 µg/dL compared to nutritional interventions alone 2.
2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA)
2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is an orally effective chelating agent that has been used to treat lead poisoning in both humans and animal models. Studies have shown that DMSA significantly reduces blood lead concentrations and increases urinary lead excretion without causing significant toxicity or affecting the excretion of essential minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium, or iron 37. DMSA has been found to be as effective as other chelating agents like dimercaptopropanol (BAL) and EDTA, with the added advantage of oral administration 78.
D-Penicillamine for Adult Lead Poisoning
D-penicillamine is another chelating agent used primarily in the outpatient treatment of adult lead poisoning. A study conducted during a lead poisoning epidemic in Iran found that D-penicillamine significantly reduced BLLs in patients without causing serious adverse effects 10. The treatment was effective over both 5-day and 10-day protocols, making it a viable option when access to other antidotes is limited 10.
Ayurvedic Medicine and Lead Poisoning
It is important to note that some traditional remedies, such as Ayurvedic medicines, may contain toxic levels of lead. A case study highlighted the risks associated with the use of such remedies, where a patient developed lead poisoning from an Ayurvedic medicine called Jambrulin. Treatment with an oral chelating agent successfully resolved the patient's symptoms and normalized laboratory abnormalities 4. This underscores the need for awareness and caution regarding the use of traditional medicines that may contain heavy metals.
Conclusion
The treatment of lead poisoning involves various chelating agents, each with its own advantages and limitations. Calcium disodium versenate (EDTA) is effective for acute symptoms but less so for bone-stored lead. Succimer, especially when combined with calcium and ascorbic acid, offers a robust option for reducing lead levels in both blood and bone. 2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) provides a safe and effective oral treatment, while D-penicillamine serves as a practical alternative in resource-limited settings. Awareness of the potential risks associated with traditional remedies is also crucial for preventing lead poisoning.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Treatment of Chronic Lead-poisoning with Calcium Disodium Versenate
Calcium disodium versenate effectively treats chronic lead poisoning, providing prompt relief and removing lead from the body through urine excretion.
Therapeutic efficiency of succimer used with calcium and ascorbic acid in the treatment of mild lead-poisoning.
Combined use of succimer with calcium and ascorbic acid is more effective in reducing blood lead levels than using either substance alone.
RCT
Animal StudyTREATMENT OF LEAD POISONING BY 2,3-DIMERCAPTOSUCCINIC ACID
2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (D.M.S.) is a safe and effective oral treatment for lead poisoning, with no signs of toxicity and no effect on urinary zinc, calcium, magnesium, or iron excretion.
Non-RCT
Highly CitedAyurvedic herbal medicine and lead poisoning
Ayurvedic medicine Jambrulin may contain harmful levels of lead, posing a risk to users and requiring increased awareness of potential toxicities.
Case ReportApproach to Occupational Cases of Lead Poisoning
In addition to treating existing complications and chelatotherapy, workers with lead poisoning should receive training to reduce exposure to lead in the workplace.
Systematic ReviewManagement of Childhood Lead Poisoning
Chelation therapy for childhood lead poisoning can prevent reading disabilities and save over $900 million per year in overall costs when considering remedial education costs.
Observational Study2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid: a new agent for the treatment of lead poisoning.
2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMS) effectively treats lead poisoning, with its orally effective dose being as effective as intravenous BAL and EDTA and significantly more effective than D-penicillamine.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedAn oral treatment for lead toxicity.
DMSA, an oral treatment for chronic lead toxicity, shows potential as an effective and less toxic alternative to parenteral agents.
Case ReportExperimental lead nephropathy: treatment with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate.
EDTA treatment slows the progression of renal alterations caused by chronic lead poisoning without causing damage.
Treatment of adult lead poisoning with D-penicillamine
D-penicillamine may be an acceptable substitute treatment for adult lead poisoning, with acceptable recovery rates and no serious adverse effects observed in our limited study.
Observational Study