What is the potential side effect of treating lead poisoning with chelation therapy?

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment used to remove heavy metals from the body, including lead. While highly effective for treating lead poisoning, it can also lead to several potential side effects. One noteworthy side effect is kidney damage. The chelating agents used, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), can place stress on the kidneys and even result in acute kidney injury, particularly if the patient is dehydrated or has pre-existing kidney issues.

Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels in the blood, can occur as a consequence of chelation therapy because these agents can bind to calcium and potentially lead to its depletion. Electrolyte imbalances are also a risk due to the way chelation can affect the body’s handling of various minerals and electrolytes during the removal of toxic metals.

Given these considerations, the correct response encompasses all potential side effects associated with chelation therapy for lead poisoning, making "All of the above" the most accurate choice. Each option listed represents a possible consequence of the treatment, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring during therapy.