en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelation
3 corrections found
EDTA, which binds to calcium, is used to alleviate the hypercalcemia that often results from band keratopathy.
This reverses the causal relationship. Hypercalcemia is a recognized cause of band keratopathy, and EDTA in this setting is used topically to remove calcium deposits from the cornea—not to treat systemic hypercalcemia caused by band keratopathy.
Full reasoning
Authoritative ophthalmology sources describe hypercalcemia as a cause/risk factor for band keratopathy, not a consequence of it. The American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeWiki lists "systemic hypercalcemia" among the causes of calcific band keratopathy, and Cleveland Clinic likewise states that "Hypercalcemia can cause band keratopathy."
Those same sources describe EDTA chelation as the treatment for the corneal calcium deposits themselves. EyeWiki explains that the deposits are scraped and then treated with EDTA-soaked material to remove the calcium from the cornea. Cleveland Clinic similarly says providers remove calcium deposits in the eye by applying EDTA.
So the article's sentence is backwards on both points: band keratopathy does not "often result" in hypercalcemia, and EDTA here is not being used to treat hypercalcemia. It is being used locally to chelate and remove corneal calcium deposits in patients who may have band keratopathy.
2 sources
- Calcific Band Keratopathy - EyeWiki
EyeWiki lists 'Systemic hypercalcemia' among the causes of band keratopathy and describes treatment by scraping the deposits and applying sponge or filter paper soaked in EDTA until satisfactory removal of calcium deposits.
- Band Keratopathy: Types, Symptoms & Causes
Cleveland Clinic states 'Hypercalcemia can cause band keratopathy' and says the usual treatment is chelation, in which providers remove calcium deposits in the eye by applying EDTA.
Bifunctional chelate complexes of zirconium, gallium, fluorine, copper, yttrium, bromine, or iodine are often used for conjugation to monoclonal antibodies for use in antibody-based PET imaging.
This incorrectly groups radiohalogens with radiometals. Bifunctional chelators are used for radiometals such as zirconium, gallium, copper, and yttrium, but fluorine, bromine, and iodine are radiohalogens that are typically attached by direct labeling or prosthetic groups rather than as chelate complexes.
Full reasoning
In immuno-PET/SPECT chemistry, bifunctional chelators are used for radiometals, not for radiohalogens in general.
A review in Cancers states that PET/SPECT radiometals such as 89Zr and 111In require a bifunctional chelating group, whereas nonmetallic radionuclides such as iodine can be labeled directly on the antibody or via prosthetic groups. A second review in J. Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals states the same principle even more explicitly: radiometals—unlike radiohalogens—require a chelator for stable sequestration in vivo.
That means the sentence is inaccurate in the way it lists elements. Zirconium, gallium, copper, and yttrium fit the bifunctional-chelator framework. Fluorine, bromine, and iodine do not generally enter antibody PET imaging as 'bifunctional chelate complexes'; they are radiohalogens and are usually introduced by direct radiohalogenation or prosthetic-group chemistry instead.
2 sources
- Development of Antibody Immuno-PET/SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals for Imaging of Oncological Disorders—An Update
The review states that radiometals such as 89Zr and 111In require a bifunctional chelating group, while nonmetallic radionuclides such as 123I can be labeled directly; when direct labeling is unsuitable, prosthetic groups are used.
- Understanding the In Vivo Fate of Radioimmunoconjugates for PET and SPECT
The authors write that 'radiometals — unlike radiohalogens — require a chelator for their stable sequestration in vivo.'
Disodium EDTA is not approved by the FDA for any use
This is too absolute. FDA sources show edetate disodium has been FDA-approved for some drug uses and is also currently listed by FDA for specified food-use regulations, so saying it is 'not approved ... for any use' is incorrect.
Full reasoning
The problem is the phrase "for any use". FDA/NLM labeling records show that edetate disodium (Endrate) was FDA-approved as a prescription drug for the emergency treatment of hypercalcemia and for ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity. Separately, FDA's current food-substances inventory lists disodium edetate / edetate disodium under multiple food additive and related regulations.
So while it is true that disodium EDTA is not FDA-approved for heavy-metal chelation uses such as lead poisoning, the blanket statement that it is "not approved by the FDA for any use" is factually incorrect. A more accurate statement would need to limit the claim to the specific use being discussed.
2 sources
- DailyMed - Endrate (Edetate Disodium) drug label
DailyMed states: 'Endrate (Edetate Disodium Injection, USP) is indicated in selected patients for the emergency treatment of hypercalcemia and for the control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity.'
- FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS): EDTA, DISODIUM
FDA's food-substances inventory lists EDTA, disodium / disodium edetate / edetate disodium with technical effect 'flavoring agent or adjuvant' and cites multiple 21 CFR regulations governing its use.