03-22-2009, 06:53 PM
Severe lead intoxication (blood lead level > 70 mg/dL and/or acute encephalopathy) is a medical emergency, and prompt chelation therapy with dimercaprol and EDTA is necessary. Moderate lead poisoning (blood lead level between 45 and 70 mg/dL) requires treatment with EDTA IV or oral DMSA. Mild lead poisoning (blood lead level < 45 mg/dL) can be treated by DMSA or d-penicillamine, although this approach is not evidence-based.