Deaths associated with hypocalcemia from chelation therapy--Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, 2003-2005.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Case series reporting three clinical cases
What was done
This surveillance report describes three fatal cases occurring between 2003 and 2005 in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon involving hypocalcemia and cardiac arrest related to chelation therapy for heavy metal exposure. The report reviews the risks of disodium EDTA (Na2EDTA) compared to alternatives like calcium disodium EDTA (CaEDTA) and outlines safety recommendations for clinicians and hospital pharmacies.
What was found
The report documents 3 deaths caused by chelation-therapy-related hypocalcemia leading to cardiac arrest. The abstract does not provide specific numerical laboratory values, patient ages, or statistical comparisons.
Why it matters
It highlights the fatal risk of acute hypocalcemia from administering Na2EDTA instead of CaEDTA, prompting recommendations to restrict Na2EDTA stocking in hospital pharmacies and avoid its use in children.
Limits
Evidence is restricted to three uncontrolled case reports without population denominator data, exact dosage/laboratory metrics in the abstract, or comparative safety analyses.
Cited by
- supports DMSA is an FDA-approved drug for chelation that binds heavy metals for urinary excretion.