special subjects
Chelation Therapy
Introduction
In chelation therapy, a Biologically Based Practices , a drug is used to bind with and remove hypothesized excess or toxic amounts of a metal or mineral (eg, lead, Heavy metal toxicity, usually due to environmental exposure, may be a risk factor for dementia ( References ), cardiovascular disease ( Chelation therapy with EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) has also been suggested as a way to remove calcium and thus treat atherosclerosis. However, despite > 50 years of study, researchers have not identified any mechanism to explain how chelation therapy could treat atherosclerosis or prevent heart attacks or strokes ( References ). In 2012, a large randomized, placebo-controlled trial of chelation (the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy [TACT]) found a significant benefit for chelation over placebo for composite outcomes (26.5% versus 30% for placebo), but not for individual outcomes (eg, death, cardiovascular events, stroke, hospitalizations) ( References ). This study had methodological flaws and did not end the controversy over chelation therapy; however, a post-hoc review of the data showed a significant reduction in the composite endpoint in patients with diabetes and peripheral artery disease in the chelation group compared to the control group, as well as a reduction in mortality ( A subsequent systematic review of 38 studies showed possible but unclear benefits of chelation in regard to secondary prevention of recurrent cardiac events ( References ). Risksof chelation therapy include Hypocalcemia (which is potentially serious) Infusion site reaction, fever, nausea, vomiting Kidney damage Delay of more effective treatment Death 