Chelation therapy in lead nephropathy.

Although treatment has been well defined for childhood lead poisoning and for industrial lead exposure, the treatment of lead nephropathy has been poorly studied. The available chelating agents are reviewed and the results of treatment in 17 cases of lead nephropathy are shown. It is concluded that lead nephropathy should be recognized early and treated energetically, as this may stabilize or improve renal function. Since EDTA is excreted much like creatinine, the dosage must be reduced proportionately in response to elevated serum creatinine levels in the patient with renal failure.