Reduction of Lead Levels in Patients Following a Long-Term, Intermittent Calcium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)-Based Intravenous Chelation Infusions: A Prospective Experimental Cohort

Chronic exposure to and the accumulation of lead has been associated with cardiovascular and all-cause morbidity and mortality. It has also been associated with accelerated declines in cognitive function and has been theorized as a contributor to essential hypertension. This study demonstrates the capacity of intermittent infusions of calcium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to reduce the amount of lead measured by provocative urinary testing, which is considered a marker for total body lead stores. Since lead is a known toxic substance with no safe levels, reducing the amount of accumulated lead in an individual has the possibility of decreasing the risk of heart disease, dementia, and other chronic illnesses associated with lead exposure. This study population was 15 healthy, asymptomatic patients who were evaluated for accumulated total body lead stores as part of a routine health screening. Total body lead was estimated by measuring urinary output after the patients had received intravenous (IV) calcium EDTA as a chelating agent. After establishing their baseline stored lead levels, patients received a series of intravenous chelation infusions to reduce body lead. The average number of infusions given was 14, over an average period of 24 months. After the series of chelations, there was an average reduction in the lead of 39.16% (range of 16% to 40%). All 15 subjects had a reduction in the amount of excreted lead after the series of chelation infusions.