Pathologic Changes Associated with the Use of Sodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra-Acetate in the Treatment of Hypercalcemia

RECENTLY, a new compound, sodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (sodium EDTA),∥ has been used in the treatment of hypercalcemia.1 2 3 4 This is a powerful chelating agent with a strong avidity for calcium and heavy metals. When given intravenously it exchanges its sodium ions for calcium to form a soluble chelate binding the metal in an un-ionized form. The calcium chelate so formed is rapidly and almost completely excreted by the kidneys, carrying with it the bound calcium.5 6 7 Because of the paucity of reports of toxic reactions to the drug, 2 cases of hypercalcemia treated by intravenous administration of large doses of sodium . . .