JMT Focuses on Use of Chelation for Metal Poisoning in December Issue
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) December 03, 2013 -- The December issue of the Journal of Medical Toxicology (JMT), the official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT), is a special issue featuring the most up-to-date scientific information on chelation therapy for human poisoning from various metals, including lead, mercury, and arsenic. According to Charles McKay, MD, the section chief for the Division of Medical Toxicology at Hartford Hospital and the guest editor of the December issue, the articles will “provide guidance to the public and clinicians considering the diagnosis and treatment of metal poisoning. These documents provide support for the ‘Choosing Wisely’ recommendations from ACMT to avoid commonly used, rarely necessary, and potentially harmful tests or procedures to avoid misdiagnosis and over-treatment of patients unlikely to have metal poisoning. In addition, the principles developed from these documents can be used to evaluate inappropriate medical practice.”
Many of the articles in this issue are adapted from presentations delivered by highly-regarded national experts at the “Use & Misuse of Metal Chelation Therapy” conference held at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA in 2012. They review the importance of proper patient evaluation, historic and current use of laboratory testing for metal toxicity, and important scientific information on the risks and benefits of using metal chelators in the treatment of metal poisoning. Myths and misconceptions about the diagnosis of metal poisoning and safe treatment are addressed in several of the papers. New data is presented on the potential risks of administering succimer or other metal chelating agents to children who do not have elevated tissue lead levels. This issue also includes an article concerning the clinical consequences of cobalt exposure in the setting of prosthetic metal-on-metal hip implants and a series of case presentations featuring real patients. Front-line medical providers evaluating patients with concerns about metal exposure will find these articles particularly helpful.
ACMT is a professional, non-profit association of physicians with recognized expertise in medical toxicology. The College is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of medical toxicology through a variety of activities.
ACMT, American College of Medical Toxicology, http://www.acmt.net, +1 (623) 533-6340, [email protected]
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