Chelation therapy

Chelation therapy uses chelating agents to bind specific metals in the body, forming complexes that can be eliminated. It is used for selected metal poisonings and disorders of metal accumulation.

Chelation: The formation of multiple bonds between a ligand and a central metal ion. Chelation therapy depends on this binding process to capture targeted metals.
Lead poisoning: Illness caused by harmful exposure to lead, which accumulates in the body. Chelation is considered for selected cases with sufficiently high lead burden.
Heavy metal poisoning: Illness caused by harmful exposure to toxic metals or metalloids. Chelation is one treatment option within the broader problem of metal poisoning.
Dimercaprol: A dithiol drug used as a chelator for certain severe metal poisonings. It is a specific chelator with limited indications and substantial toxicity concerns.
Chelating agent: A molecule that binds a metal ion through two or more coordinating atoms. These agents determine which metals treatment can bind and how safely it can do so.
Arsenic poisoning: Illness caused by exposure to toxic arsenic compounds. Specific chelators may be used in acute poisoning, depending on the compound and circumstances.
Blood lead level: A measurement of lead concentration in a blood sample. Lead chelation decisions depend on measured exposure and clinical circumstances.
Succimer: An oral dithiol chelator used primarily to treat lead poisoning in selected patients. It illustrates a targeted chelation drug rather than a general-purpose detox treatment.
Metal chelate: A coordination complex in which a ligand binds a metal ion at multiple sites. Chelators form these complexes before the body eliminates the bound metal.
Mercury poisoning: Illness resulting from exposure to toxic forms of mercury. Chelation may be considered for certain significant exposures, but effectiveness varies by mercury form.

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