Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism of chelation therapy in removing heavy metals from the body?
What is the primary mechanism of chelation therapy in removing heavy metals from the body?
What is the definition of a heavy metal?
What is the definition of a heavy metal?
What is the main treatment option for heavy-metal poisoning?
What is the main treatment option for heavy-metal poisoning?
What is a potential consequence of heavy-metal poisoning if left untreated?
What is a potential consequence of heavy-metal poisoning if left untreated?
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Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of heavy-metal poisoning?
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of heavy-metal poisoning?
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What is the role of the kidneys in the process of chelation therapy?
What is the role of the kidneys in the process of chelation therapy?
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Why is hospital admission often required for chelation therapy?
Why is hospital admission often required for chelation therapy?
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What is the purpose of a chelating agent in chelation therapy?
What is the purpose of a chelating agent in chelation therapy?
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Study Notes
Chelation Therapy
- Chelation therapy is based on the principle of binding toxic heavy metals to a chelating agent to reduce toxicity and remove them from the body.
Heavy-Metal Poisoning
- Heavy-metal poisoning is the accumulation of toxic metals in the body, mainly in soft tissue.
- It is defined as an element with a density more than five times that of water.
- Toxic heavy metals include lead, mercury, arsenic, thallium, and cadmium.
- Essential metals, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese, are required by the body in small amounts but are toxic in larger quantities.
- Toxic heavy metals compete with essential metals for their receptors, leading to irreversible organ damage.
- Symptoms of heavy-metal poisoning vary depending on the type and quantity of metal absorbed and may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, headache, and metallic taste.
- Severe cases of heavy-metal poisoning can lead to impairment of cognitive, motor, and language skills.
Chelating Agents
- Dimercaprol (BAL, British anti-Lewisite), calcium disodium edetate, and penicillamine are common chelating agents used to treat heavy-metal poisoning.
- Chelating agents bind to the metal in the body's tissues, forming a chelate, which is then released from the tissue, travels in the bloodstream, and is excreted in the urine.
Treatment and Complications
- Chelation therapy requires hospital admission due to potential pain and the need to stabilize the patient's vital functions.
- Patients may also require treatment for complications associated with heavy-metal poisoning, including anemia, kidney failure, or shock reactions.
- Chelation therapy is effective for poisoning with lead, mercury, and arsenic, but difficult to treat with cadmium poisoning.
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Description
Learn about chelation therapy, its principle, and how it removes toxic heavy metals from the body. Also, understand heavy-metal poisoning, its definition, and the harm caused by metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic.
