Use of 2% 2-phenoxyethanol and 0.1% octenidine as antiseptic in premature newborn infants of 23-26 weeks gestation.
In preterm newborn infants, topical iodine-containing antiseptics disturb thyroid hormone regulation while alcohol-based disinfectants may cause local burns. We therefore investigated the use of an aqueous solution containing 0.1% octenidine and 2% 2-phenoxyethanol for skin disinfection during the first seven days of life in premature newborns with a gestational age <27 weeks who were consecutively admitted to our level III neonatal intensive care unit between November 1, 2000 and December 31, 2001 (N=24). In boys. (N=13) the renal excretion of absorbed 2-phenoxyethanol and its metabolite 2-phenoxyacetic acid was quantitated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. In the most immature newborn (gestational age 23 6/7 weeks), a transient erythematous reaction was observed following application of the octenidine/phenoxyethanol solution prior to umbilical vessel catheterization. No other local reactions were observed. The urinary concentration of 2-phenoxyethanol was <2 ppm in all samples, while urinary 2-phenoxyacetic acid concentrations reached 5-95 ppm (median 24 ppm). One infant had a culture-proven septicaemia (Bacillus species) during the first seven days of life. We conclude that, in contrast to alcohol-based antiseptics, an aqueous solution of 0.1% octenidine and 2-phenoxyethanol does not cause major skin damage in premature newborn infants <27 weeks' gestation. 2-Phenoxyethanol is readily absorbed by the newborn's skin but apparently undergoes extensive oxidative metabolization to 2-phenoxyacetic acid.
Bührer
C
C
Departmenmt of Neonatology, Charité Medical Center, Virchow Hospital, Berlin, Germany. christoph.buehrer@charite.de
Bahr
S
S
Siebert
J
J
Wettstein
R
R
Geffers
C
C
Obladen
M
M
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007097:Imines; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D011725:Pyridines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D007097:Imines; D011725:Pyridines; C005398:phenoxyethanol; C034213:octenidine