Dispositions of di‐ and mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate in newborn infants subjected to exchange transfusions

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Abstract
The dispositions of the plasticizer di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its primary metabolite mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) were studied in newborn infants subjected to exchange transfusions. During a single exchange transfusion the amounts of DEHP and MEHP infused ranged from 0±8‐3±3 and 0±05‐0±20 mg kg‐1 body weight, respectively. There were indications that about 30% of the infused DEHP originated from parts of the transfusion set other than the blood bag. Approximately 30% of the infused amount of DEHP was withdrawn during the course of each transfusion. Immediately after the transfusions the plasma levels of DEHP ranged between 5±8 and 19±6 μg ml‐1, and subsequently they declined rapidly. This decline, probably reflecting distribution of DEHP within the body, was followed by a slower elimination phase. The half‐life of this phase was approximately 10 h. The maximal plasma levels of MEHP were about 5 μg ml‐1. In one pre‐term infant the elimination of MEHP was slower than its formation, whereas in one full‐term newborn the formation appeared to be rate‐limiting for the elimination.