PLOMBISM AND ITS TREATMENT

Epidemiology: In the general French population, as in most countries, plombism is not a major concern except in lower socioeconomic populati ons where blood lead levels may be high. Most cases oi lead intoxicati on occur in an occupational setting. Accepted treatment: Following the publications by Chilsolm, it is generally accepted that the correct t reatment is chelation with disodium calcitetracemate or sometimes dime rcaprol. Treatment revisited: A critical analysis oi the literature, b oth in animal models and in humans, would however raise some doubt Whi le it is true that with chelation, lead is eliminated in urine, there is very little clinical proof or in vivo animal evidence oi its effica cy. This observation demonstrates that a well accepted therapeutic pro tocol may not necessarily be the fruit of solid scientific evidence. I t merits some thought before application. (C) 1998, Masson, Paris.