Disodium-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) has no effect on blood lipids in atherosclerotic patients. A randomized, placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To study whether intravenous disodium-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) affects blood lipids in patients with intermittent claudication.


METHODS
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients with intermittent claudication (systolic ankle-brachial blood pressure index < 0.8; pain free walking distance 50-200 m).


METHODS
3 g EDTA or placebo (isotonic saline) per infusion over a period of 5-9 weeks to a total of 57 g EDTA. Patients received vitamins, minerals and trace-elements daily.


RESULTS
14 patients received EDTA and 15 placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in the plasma concentration of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglyceride between the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with EDTA does not alter blood lipids in patients with intermittent claudication.
Guldager
B
B
Department of Medicine, Hillerød Hospital.
Faergeman
O
O
Jørgensen
S J
SJ
Nexø
E
E
Jelnes
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D010919:Placebos
D008055:Lipids; D010919:Placebos; D004492:Edetic Acid