Chelation therapy

Chelation is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance known as a chelating agent combines with certain metals. Chelation therapy may be used to treat heavy metal poisoning or various other conditions.


When chelation therapy is used
If you're exposed to large quantities of certain metals over a short period of time or small amounts over long periods of time, your body may not be able to process and get rid of the extra metal fast enough to maintain normal health. Without treatment, this accumulation of metal may cause serious harm.
If you've been diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning (such as poisoning from lead, iron or arsenic), your doctor may suggest chelation therapy. The treatment may also be recommended if you have a genetic condition that prevents your body from appropriately using or getting rid of a certain metal naturally. Examples include:

beta-thalassemia, also known as Cooley's anemia (iron overload)
hemachromatosis (an iron metabolism disorder in which excessive iron is deposited in and damages body tissues)
Wilson's disease (an inherited condition that affects copper metabolism)
Chelation therapy has also been suggested as a possible treatment for overexposure to certain types of radiation.


Patient preparation
Typically, little preparation is necessary. In some cases, your doctor may impose certain dietary restrictions before the treatment. Be sure to inform your doctor of any chelation treatments you've already received or are currently receiving through other treatment centers. Your doctor will depend on you to provide an accurate and up-to-date history.

Procedure
A chelating agent will be given either orally (by mouth) or by injection. The chelating agent will bind to the metal in your bloodstream and pass out of your body as waste, through urine or sometimes bowel movements. This process will quickly help your body get rid of the dangerous metal. Chelating agents may be given periodically over time. The treatment's effectiveness may be monitored through repeated blood and urine tests. In cases of severe poisoning, your blood pressure, fluid intake, and kidney and liver function will be closely monitored.
The specific chelating agent used for the treatment varies depending on the type of toxic metal in your system. One agent may be suitable for one type of toxin but not another. Chelation agents are given with extreme caution because each chelating agent can possibly cause side effects -- some potentially serious.


Postprocedure care
Notify your doctor of any symptoms that may indicate an adverse reaction to the chelating agents or the procedure itself, such as:
fever
muscle pain
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
headache
vision problems
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
changes in consciousness level
weakness
seizures

Risks
In addition to removing the toxic metal(s) from your body, the chelating agent may also remove other metals, such as magnesium. For this reason, vitamin and mineral supplements may be used with the chelating agent. Repeat treatments may be needed if the metals stored within your bones and tissues seep out and cause another bout of harmful metal accumulation in your blood. Excessive treatments may damage the kidneys or liver and cause bone marrow suppression and loss of blood cells.

Considerations
Given the current interest in alternative and complementary medicine, many new forms of treatment are being advertised. Certain clinics throughout the United States advertise chelation therapy as a cure for heart disease, atherosclerosis (cholesterol buildup within the blood vessels), circulatory problems, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Chelation therapy can cost thousands of dollars, and it hasn't been proven effective or safe for treating or preventing any of these conditions.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), there's no scientific documentation that chelation therapy is effective in treating cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or cancer. Improper use of chelating agents can result in serious or fatal complications. The American Heart Association, the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology all agree with the AMA's opinion.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have begun a five-year study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of chelation therapy for coronary artery disease. This investigational study will take place in multiple locations throughout the country.