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Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate as plasticizer in PVC respiratory tubing systems: indications of hazardous effects on
B Roth1, P Herkenrath, H J Lehmann
1Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Köln, Federal Republic of Germany.
Insights
High concentrations of Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) in PVC medical devices may cause lung disorders in preterm infants. Further restrictions on DEHP use in disposable respiratory devices are recommended.
Area of Science:
- Medical device safety
- Neonatal respiratory medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) medical devices often contain high concentrations of Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP).
- Systemic DEHP exposure typically results in minor toxic effects in humans.
Abstract:
Several PVC medical devices contain the plasticizer Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) in high concentration. Taken systematically DEHP only has minor toxic effects in the human organism. In three preterm infants artificially 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 artificially ventilated. It is strongly recommended that for disposable PVC respiratory devices the plasticizer DEHP should be used with more restrictions.