Transfusion-related exposure to the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in patients receiving plateletpheresis concentrates.
BACKGROUND
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer that can leach from medical devices including storage bags for plateletpheresis concentrates (PCs). In this study, the DEHP exposure to patients receiving PCs was determined and several variables were evaluated to reduce DEHP load to PC recipients.


METHODS
In 12 patients, serum DEHP was assessed before and after PC transfusion. For in vitro investigations, PCs were produced either with donor plasma or with 65 percent additive solution (AS; T-Sol) and stored for 5 days. Washing of PCs was performed according to AABB standards. DEHP levels were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.


RESULTS
Transfusion of PCs led to a significant increase in serum DEHP. DEHP levels in the PCs continuously increased during storage, although the accumulation of DEHP was less in PCs stored in the AS, T-Sol, than when stored in plasma. Storage-related accumulation of DEHP contributed to a major part of the total DEHP load in PCs stored for 5 days. Washing of PCs led to a reduction of DEHP load.


CONCLUSIONS
Recipients of PCs are exposed to DEHP, although the total amount represents only a small percentage of the defined tolerable intake. Reduction of storage time, the storage of PC in T-Sol, or the exchange of the storage medium before transfusion are practicable means to reduce the DEHP load in PC.
Buchta
Christoph
C
Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, the Institute for Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. christoph.buchta@meduniwien.ac.at
Bittner
Claudia
C
Heinzl
Harald
H
Höcker
Paul
P
Macher
Maria
M
Mayerhofer
Matthias
M
Schmid
Rainer
R
Seger
Christoph
C
Dettke
Markus
M
D000328:Adult; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000295:instrumentation; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D010983:Plateletpheresis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000628:therapy*
D010968:Plasticizers; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate