The effect of temperature on di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate leaching from PVC infusion sets exposed to lipid emulsions

Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) infusion equipment contains substantial amounts of the plasticiser di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). We determined the amount of DEHP leached from Mediplus Dual TIVA (R) Infusion sets, into lipid and non-lipid infusates. Two propofol admixtures (Diprivan (R) 1%, Propoven (R) 1%), Intralipid (R) 10% and 0.9% saline were evaluated as infusates. Solutions were infused through TIVA sets at 12 ml.h-1 for 6 h at 24, 32 and 37 degrees C. In addition, TIVA sets were filled with 2 ml infusates, sealed and incubated at 24 and 37 degrees C for 6 h. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was detected in all lipid infusates after dynamic infusion and static contact, and in 0.9% saline after dynamic infusion at 37 degrees C. At 32 and 37 degrees C, the quantity of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate leaching into the lipid infusates may exceed the recommended maximum exposure amount set by the European Union for DEHP of 2048 mu g center dot kg-1.day-1 if lipid based infusates are used for sedation or intravenous feeding of infants or neonates.