Anti-Lewisite use was later expanded to cover other metallic poisoning.

The history of modern chelation therapy begins during World War II, with the development of the British anti-Lewisite as an antidote against arsenic-containing lewisite gas. The chelating drugs bind the metal between 2 or more functional groups to form a metal-drug complex, which is then excreted through urine. The term “chelator” stems from the Greek word chele, meaning claw. Some chelating agents are contraindicated diseases such as renal insufficiency, and their use should be avoided in the presence of these diseases.Ĭhelation therapy refers to the use of chelating drugs for the treatment of metallic poisoning.Brain requires an optimal concentration of metals for normal function, and the role of metal in the nervous system should be taken into consideration before chelating that metal.Some MRI contrast agents containing metals that can deposit in the brain require chelation therapy for removal of these metals.

Chelating agents such as edetate calcium disodium may also be useful for the management of neurotoxicity associated with adverse effects of therapeutic drugs and neurodegenerative disorders.Neurologic disorders associated with accumulation of metals can benefit from agents that remove these metals.Chelation therapy refers to the use of chelating agents for the treatment of metallic poisoning.Study of deferoxamine has been suggested for treatment of neoplasms of the nervous system. Clioquinol as chelation therapy was in clinical trials for the treatment for Alzheimer disease, but further development was discontinued. Evidence is accumulating that interactions between beta-amyloid and copper, iron, and zinc are associated with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease.

Several other chelating agents and their use for the treatment of neurologic disorders are described in this article. Penicillamine, a copper chelator, is well known for the treatment of Wilson disease. Chelating agents are also used for the treatment of neurologic disorders where metals play a part in the pathogenesis. Chelation therapy may be required for clearing gadolinium deposits resulting from use of contrast agents for MRI. OverviewĬhelation therapy refers to the use of chelating drugs for the treatment of metallic poisoning and neurotoxicity due to other causes. Please note the “Updated” date, shown above, which is the date of the last update.

Myasthenia gravis mercury poisoning