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Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate as plasticizer in PVC respiratory tubing systems: indications of hazardous effects on pulmonary function in mechanically ventilated, preterm infants

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Abstract

Several PVC medical devices contain the plasticizer Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) in high concentration. Taken systemically DEHP only has minor toxic effects in the human organism. In three preterm infants artifically ventilated with PVC respiratory tubes unusual lung disorders resembling those observed in hyaline membrane disease, verified both clinically and radiologically, were observed during the fourth week of life. It was assumed that these lung disorders were causally related to the exposure to high doses of DEHP, which was released from the walls of the respiratory tubes. DEHP was found in the lung tissue of one patient who died of pneumothorax soon after birth after being artifically ventilated. It is strongly recommended that for disposable PVC respiratory devices the plasticizer DEHP should be used with more restrictions.

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Abbreviations

PVC:

polyvinylchloride

DEHP:

di-(ethylhexyl)-phthalate

MEHP:

mono-(ethylhexyl)-phthalate

GCMS:

gas chromatography — mass spectrometry

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Prüfstelle für Medizinische Technik, TÜV Rheinland, D-5000, Köln, Germany

    H. -J. Lehmann

  2. Institut für Materialprüfung und Chemie, TÜV Rheinland, D-5000, Köln, Germany

    H. -D. Ohles & H. J. Hömig

  3. Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Josef-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, D-5000, Köln, Germany

    B. Roth, P. Herkenrath & A. Younossi-Hartenstein

  4. Abteilung für Radiologie, Josef-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, D-5000, Köln, Germany

    G. Benz-Bohm

  5. Abteilung für Pathologie, Josef-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, D-5000, Köln, Germany

    J. Kreuder

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Roth, B., Herkenrath, P., Lehmann, H.J. et al. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate as plasticizer in PVC respiratory tubing systems: indications of hazardous effects on pulmonary function in mechanically ventilated, preterm infants. Eur J Pediatr 147, 41–46 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442609

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442609

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