Pediatric fatality secondary to EDTA chelation.

Area of Science:

• Medical toxicology
• Pediatric neurology
• Autism spectrum disorder research

Background:

• Chelation therapy is controversially used to treat autism by removing heavy metals.
• The safety and efficacy of chelation therapy for autism remain unproven.

Observation:

• A five-year-old autistic male experienced cardiac arrest during chelation therapy.
• The patient received edetate disodium instead of the recommended edetate calcium disodium.

Findings:

• Administration of edetate disodium caused profound hypocalcemia.
• The resulting hypocalcemia triggered fatal cardiac events.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of using the correct form of EDTA (edetate calcium disodium) in chelation therapy.
• It highlights the potential for severe adverse events, including death, from unvalidated autism treatments.
• Medical professionals should adhere to established guidelines, such as the 1991 CDC recommendation, to prevent such tragedies.