About DMSA Chelation
DMSA, or dimercaptosuccinic acid, is a chemical compound that can be used as a chelating agent. Chelation is the process of removing heavy metal deposits from the bloodstream and is often used as the primary form of treatment for people who have been poisoned by lead or mercury. In the United States, DMSA is the only approved substance for use in chelation therapy, though there are other substances that can be used for chelation.
Oral Chelation
DMSA chelation is most commonly administered orally through the use of dissoluble capsules containing the compound. Specific dosage is usually determined based on the weight and body mass of the patient. Patients undergoing oral DMSA chelation treatments usually take the oral treatments daily for a few days followed by a several-days long break. Several cycles may be required to fully treat poisoning by heavy metals. Patients typically submit to urine tests throughout the process to assess the response and to help determine when treatment can be safely stopped. Vitamin replacement therapy frequently runs concurrent to oral chelation therapy.
Intravenous Chelation
In intravenous DMSA chelation, a DMSA solution is injected directly into the bloodstream via an IV drip. The solution is held in a synthetic bladder that is connected to an IV needle with a hose. The IV needle is injected directly into a vein and taped to the skin so that a continuous supply of the chelating agent will go into the bloodstream. With this method, the chelating agent is able to act much more quickly, though there are some greater risks associated with it. The intravenous approach is most frequently used in cases of severe, acute poisoning from heavy metals.
Intramuscular Chelation
Another mode of chelation therapy is intramuscular injection. In this approach, a DMSA solution is loaded into a syringe and injected directly into the muscle tissue of a poisoned patient. Like intravenous chelation, this method is typically reserved for more severe cases that wouldn't be appropriate for the slow, low-dose oral therapy. The DMSA delivery isn't quite as fast with intramuscular injection as with an IV, but the added benefit is that it can be injected directly into a specific section of tissue. In cases where a poison is disproportionately attacking a specific anatomical region, this mode of delivery can quickly put the DMSA right where it needs to be.
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