Exposure to Phthalates in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Infants
Author Information
Author(s): Weuve Jennifer, Sánchez Brisa N., Calafat Antonia M., Schettler Ted, Green Ronald A., Hu Howard, Hauser Russ
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Is exposure to DEHP-containing medical devices associated with higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in NICU infants?
Conclusion
Higher intensiveness of DEHP-containing product use is associated with significantly elevated urinary concentrations of DEHP metabolites in NICU infants.
Supporting Evidence
- Infants exposed to DEHP-containing products at high intensiveness had urinary MEHHP concentrations that were 14 times higher than those in the low-intensiveness group.
- Urinary concentrations of MEHHP and MEOHP were significantly higher among infants at institution B compared to institution A.
- Only 9% of infants had concentrations of MEHHP and MEOHP less than the limit of detection.
Takeaway
Babies in the NICU are exposed to harmful chemicals from medical devices, which can show up in their urine. The more these devices are used, the more of these chemicals are found.
Methodology
The study measured urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites in 54 NICU infants and classified their exposure to DEHP-containing products into low, medium, and high intensiveness.
Potential Biases
The study design was anonymous, which limited the ability to collect comprehensive medical history data.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and limited demographic data on the infants.
Participant Demographics
54 infants from two level 3 NICUs, with 63% being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p ≤ 0.007
Confidence Interval
95% CI of the multiplication factor, 1.2–16.5
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.007
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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