Abstract
We evaluated D-penicillamine (PCN) to determine its efficacy in low-level plumbism (25-40 mcg/dl). Two groups were compared: Cases (n=84) were treated with PCN; controls (n=37) received no chelation therapy. Patients were followed at regular intervals for a mean of 200 days; none had received chelation therapy for 3 months prior to study entry. Mean PCN dose was 27.5 mg/kg/d.
In 64 cases (76%) lead levels (LL) were normalized. There were eight cases of treatment failure, Controls had no significant change in LL (mean LL 33± 2 mcg/dl) over the observation period. PCN was associated with an adverse reaction in 33%. Side effects included leukopenia in 10%, rash in 8%, enuresis in 4% and gastrointestinal distress in 2%. Therapy was prematurely terminated in 8 patients due to an adverse reaction. We conclude that PCN is effective therapy for low-level plumbism although it has significant side effects. PCN should be considered a viable treatment option for low-level lead poisoning.
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Shannon, M., Graef, J. & Lovejoy, F. USE OF PENICILLAMIME IN LOW-LEVEL LEAD POISONING. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 287 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00718
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00718