$Unique_ID{BRK01532}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{What is Chelation Therapy?}
$Subject{arteries chelation}
$Volume{P-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Chelation Therapy?


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QUESTION:  Is there anything you can tell me about chelation therapy?  My
friend calls it the "Roto-Rooter" technique.  I have heard it is used to cure
hardening of the arteries, but have been unable to find anything in my library
about it.  I hope you can help me.

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ANSWER:  I'll try although I must tell you from the onset, that there is a
great deal of very emotional controversy about the procedure.  Chelation is a
procedure by which a metal (such as lead) is "bound" to a chemical compound
which permits its removal from the body.  This method is used in treating
individuals with such conditions as lead poisoning.  But your questions
involves the use of an artificial amino acid called disodium edetate (EDTA) in
an intravenous injection as an attempt to remove unwanted mineral deposits
from various parts of the body, in particular the arteries.  The material then
exits the body through the kidneys.  According to some of the promoters of
this technique, it is alleged to be helpful for many other conditions as well,
kidney disease, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, gangrene, psoriasis, and heart
disease.  Because of the claims about heart disease it is often touted as an
alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery.  The course of treatment may
include as many as 20 to 50 sessions, involving considerable cost.  The
problem is that the therapy still remains unproven.  The Food and Drug
Administration approved the design of a controlled trial study, which is
currently underway, but for which no statistics are available at this time.
The available literature on the process was reviewed by the Task Force on New
and Unestablished Therapies of the American Heart Association.  They concluded
that there was no scientific evidence to demonstrate any benefits, and that
there had been no adequate trials using currently approved scientific methods
to prove the worth of chelation therapy.  The current trial, which is studying
"claudication' a condition of impaired circulation in the legs, may provide
some answers, but will not prove the safety or effectiveness of the procedure
in heart disease.  Apparently much more study is needed in this area.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
