A Comparison of Two Dosing Regimens of Succimer in Children with Chronic Lead Poisoning

There is limited information defining the optimal dosing regimen of succimer in the treatment of children with chronic lead poisoning. It is typically administered as a five day course of high dose therapy (1050 mg/m super(2)/day) followed by 14 days of low dose therapy (700mg/m super(2)/day). This study compared the effect on blood lead concentrations (BPb) of treatment with this standard regimen and an alternate regimen consisting of two courses of high dose therapy separated by one week. There were significant reductions in the mean BPb in both the standard (n=7) and alternate (n=4) treatment groups but there was not a significant difference between the groups. In the standard group, the BPb decreased from 33c4 to 27c6 mcg/dL. The BPb decreased from 33c6 to 23c4 mcg/dL in those treated with alternate therapy. This study suggests that two short courses of high dose therapy may be an acceptable alternative to standard succimer therapy. Because of the small size of this study, other studies are warranted.