Extraction of diethylhexylphthalate by home total parenteral nutrition from polyvinyl chloride infusion lines commonly used in the home.

Objectives: Recently, our group detected that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) perfusion lines leach large amounts of the toxic plasticizer diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) under conditions typical of intensive care units. In the present study, we investigated the extraction of DEHP from PVC connecting tubes that are commonly used for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions. The aim of the study was to estimate the amount of DEHP to which children receiving home TPN are exposed for months and years. Materials and Methods: 1000 mL of TPN, identical in constitution and amount to the home TPN of 1 of our patients, were perfused through 5 different connecting tube systems and collected in hexane-rinsed glass bottles. The concentration of DEHP in the TPN was analyzed before and after perfusion. Results: Before perfusion of the lines, the solution had a DEHP concentration of 0.05 to 0.69 μg/mL (baseline value). After perfusion of the lines, the load of DEHP in the solution varied between 1.41 and 2.07 μg/mL. This TPN was established for children weighing 20 kg. The daily dosage is between 71 and 104μg · kg. -1 day -1 . TPN is administered at home for many months and years. The monthly charge of DEHP is between 42.3 and 62.1 mg. Children weighing 20kg therefore receive a dosage between 2.1 and 3.1 mg · kg -1 . onth -1 . Conclusions: Diethylhexylphthalate and its metabolite monoethylhexylphthalate have been demonstrated to be carcinogenic, embryotoxic, hepatotoxic, pneumotoxic, and cardiotoxic and are known to disrupt endocrine pathways and liver detoxifying capacity in animals. They are suspected of having multiple effects in humans as well. The doses presented above should therefore be avoided in children receiving home TPN by the use of tubing systems that are completely free of DEHP. Such systems are available.