Ca-DTPA & Zn-DTPA
Ready for Emergency?
In cases of radiological emergencies, or deliberate use of radioactive materials, dangerous isotopes of certain elements such as americium, plutonium, curium, californium, and berkelium may enter the human body. This contamination can lead to severe health consequences if left untreated.
Short-term symptoms of heavy metal nuclides poisoning and radiation exposure
These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and weakness. In severe cases, it may lead to acute radiation sickness, characterized by damage to bone marrow, lungs, and the digestive system.
Long-Term Effects of exposure to radioactive heavy metals
These significantly increase the risk of cancers, including thyroid cancer, leukemia, and genetic damage that may emerge years later. Organ dysfunction and kidney damage are also common.
Internal contamination will occur when unprotected persons are exposed to radionuclides, and the radionuclides enter the body. There are several routes for radionuclides into the biological system:
- into the respiratory tract via inhalation,
- into the gastrointestinal tract via ingestion,
- percutaneously via transdermal absorption through
intact or damaged skin (open wounds, abrasions, or
burns)
For the treatment of internal contamination with these transuranium radionuclides, calcium or zinc diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Ca-/Zn-DTPA) can be used to bind to these metals and enhance their elimination from the body.
Treatment with Ca-DTPA or Zn-DTPA?
For acute poisoning, initiation of treatment with the more potent Ca-DTPA is recommended. Long-term treatment should then be continued with the less toxic Zn-DTPA. It has less impact on essential trace elements like zinc, magnesium, and manganese, making it safer for extended use. Treatment of poisoning with DTPA does not exclude the use of other measures for the treatment of poisoning, such as gastric lavage, dialysis, plasma exchange, surgical removal of the depot, etc.
Ca-DTPA: Preferred for early intervention shortly after exposure, offering higher efficacy in the initial phase.
Zn-DTPA: Suitable for long-term therapy, lower toxicity, reducing the risk of essential mineral depletion while ensuring continued elimination of radioactive materials.
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