title: Dispositions of di- and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in newborn infants subjected to exchange transfusions.
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 Approximately 30% of the infused amount of DEHP was withdrawn during the course of each transfusion.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 micrograms 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 micrograms 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.
mesh_terms: D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood*; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood / Q000009:adverse effects; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000097:blood*; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010795:Phthalic Acids; D010968:Plasticizers; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate; C016599:mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate