A review of alternatives to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-containing medical devices in the neonatal intensive care unit

作者：Van Vliet E D S^*; Reitano E M; Chhabra J S; Bergen G P; Whyatt R M

来源：Journal of Perinatology, 2011, 31(8): 551-560.

DOI：10.1038/jp.2010.208

• di (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate
• alternative plasticizers
• polyurethane
• polyethylene
• silicone
• neonatal intensive care unit

Objective: To conduct an extensive literature and toxicological database review on substitute compounds and available alternative medical products to replace polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and conduct a DEHP-medical inventory analysis at a large metropolitan neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Study Design: A systematic search for DEHP-free alternative products was performed using online databases. An informal audit of a large metropolitan NICU was undertaken in 2005 and 2006; 21 products were identified that could potentially contain DEHP. Availability of DEHP-free alternatives was determined through company websites and phone interviews.
Result: Two alternative approaches are available for replacing DEHP in NICU medical products: (1) replacement by DEHP-free plasticizers; and (2) replacement of PVC entirely through the use of other polymers. Both approaches seem to provide less harmful substitutes to DEHP, but support PVC-free polymers as the preferred alternative. However, significant data gaps exist, particularly for the alternative polymers. In all, 10 out of 21 (48%) products in the NICU audit were DEHP-free; six consisted of alternative polymers and four of alternative plasticizers. Of the remaining 11 products, only three were available without DEHP at the time of the audit.
Conclusion: Because of significant data gaps, systematic toxicological testing of DEHP-free alternatives is imperative. Continued development of alternative products is also needed. Journal of Perinatology (2011) 31, 551-560; doi:10.1038/jp.2010.208; published online 10 February 2011

• 出版日期2011-8