Use of 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate in treatment of lead poisoning in children.

2,3-Dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) is a water-soluble metal complexing agent. Administration to lead-poisoned children of 5-day courses of 200 or 400 mg of DMPS per m2 surface area per day given p.o. in divided doses resulted in a significant decline in the concentration of lead in blood. DMPS treatment did not significantly alter the concentrations of zinc or copper in plasma. Urinary excretion of lead, zinc and copper was increased by DMPS administration and these increases were sustained throughout the 5-day course of treatment. No significant changes in hepatic, renal or hematological function were found in DMPS-treated children and no side effects attributable to DMPS were noted. It is concluded that a 5-day course of DMPS given p.o. may be safe and effective in the treatment of asymptomatic lead poisoning in children.