title: Slow, natural reduction in blood lead level after chelation therapy for lead poisoning in childhood.
abstract: Lead poisoning is treated with chelating agents. We report the natural decline of blood lead (Pb-B) concentration after treatment(s) (1967 to 1972) in 74 patients whose maximal Pb-B level ranged from 100 to 471 micrograms/dL (4.83 to 22.73 mumol/L). These longitudinal data (range, nine to 17 years) disclose a predictable decrease in Pb-B levels after treatment that is independent of the maximal Pb-B level before therapy. The correlation between age in months and the logarithm of the Pb-B level was significant, and the equation defined by the regression line allows one to predict Pb-B levels at specific ages after chelation therapy. It is important to recognize the slow, natural decline of Pb-B levels after chelation therapy once the level is stable and below 70 micrograms/dL (3.38 mumol/L). Multiple repeated courses of calcium disodium edetate are unlikely to influence the natural decline of the Pb-B level in asymptomatic children.
mesh_terms: D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies
chemical_list: D002614:Chelating Agents; D007854:Lead