Recovery from severe arsenic-induced peripheral neuropathy with 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulphonic acid

J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2000;38(7):777-80. doi: 10.1081/clt-100102391.

Abstract

A 33-year-old female with a 1.5-year history of multisystem illness was diagnosed with arsenic poisoning. Twenty-four-hour urine arsenic was 1030 microg/dL (normal 0-99) and root hair arsenic was 130 microg/g (normal 0-3). Despite treatment with succimer meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, her neuropathy progressed to ventilator dependence and quadriplegia. Subsequent intravenous treatment with 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt was associated with arsenic diuresis, marked neuropathic improvement, and extubation. At 1-year follow-up, neuropathy was limited to mild distal lower extremity weakness and sensory loss. The use of 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulphonic acid in the treatment of severe arsenic neuropathy was associated with increased urinary elimination of arsenic and dramatic clinical recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arsenic / urine
  • Arsenic Poisoning / drug therapy*
  • Chelating Agents / chemistry
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Unithiol / chemistry
  • Unithiol / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Unithiol
  • Arsenic