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. 2000 Dec;35(12):1775-81.
doi: 10.1053/jpsu.2000.19249.

Polyvinylchloride infusion lines expose infants to large amounts of toxic plasticizers

S Loff  1 , F Kabs, K Witt, J Sartoris, B Mandl, K H Niessen, K L Waag
Affiliations

Polyvinylchloride infusion lines expose infants to large amounts of toxic plasticizers

S Loff et al. J Pediatr Surg. 2000 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether infusion lines are able to leach plasticizers in substantial amounts and thus be a candidate substance for hepatotoxic effects during long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Methods: TPN solutions, blood products, and selected drugs typical for preterm infants concerning amount, content, and infusion time were perfused through common polyvinylchloride (PVC) infusion lines. Concentration of diethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) before and after perfusion was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results: Daily quantities of DEHP by 24-hour infusions were Lipid emulsion 20%: 10185.6 microg; aminoacid/glucose-solution: 116.2 microg; midazolaminfusion for sedation: 26.4 microg; fentanyl for sedation: 132.5 microg; propofol for sedation: 6561.0 microg. The amount of DEHP by single doses of blood products (20 mL) were packed red blood cells: 144-608 microg; platelet rich plasma: 928 microg; and fresh frozen plasma: 552-8108 microg. The dose of DEHP for a typical preterm neonate requiring TPN and additional therapy like sedation or blood products is at minimum 10 mg and can easily reach 20 mg/d.

Conclusion: This large amount of DEHP is especially disturbing, because it effects the most vulnerable patients (neonates). Whether there is a relation to TPN-induced hepatobiliary dysfunction remains to be elucidated and is under investigation. With respect to recent literature, a biological effect of these doses must be assumed.

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