Lead toxicity

Much of the toxicity of lead poisoning is not reversible by medical therapy. Lead remains in bone lead stores for many decades after exposure has ceased. Lead toxicity is therefore considered to be a chronic illness requiring long-term management and observation.

Acute lead encephalopathy

There are limited data regarding the prognosis of lead encephalopathy. The survival of children with acute encephalopathy is good with intensive care and aggressive chelation. However, most children who survive have residual neurologic damage.[80]Dietrich KN, Ware JH, Salganik M, et al; Treatment of Lead-Exposed Children Clinical Trial Group. Effect of chelation therapy on the neuropsychological and behavioral development of lead-exposed children after school entry. Pediatrics. 2004;114:19-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15231903?tool=bestpractice.com

Lead colic

Lead colic is readily reversed with chelation therapy.

Peripheral and central nervous system toxicity

There is little evidence that chelation therapy significantly reverses these forms of toxicity. Both children and adults with these effects can be expected to continue to have impairment.

Cardiovascular toxicity

There is little evidence that chelation therapy significantly reverses cardiovascular toxicity. Such toxicity is likely to persist.