Exposure of NICU Patients to PVC Plasticizers in At-risk Clinical Situation: Biomonitoring Study From Urinary Samples

In response to restrictions related to the use of DEHP as a plasticizer for PVC medical devices (MDs), manufacturers have resorted to alternative plasticizers. These are now integrated into many MDs such as infusion sets, extension lines, extracorporeal circuits, nutrition tubings ... etc. The ARMED project (2012-2015) funded by the ANSM, whose goal was to prioritizing the risk linked to the migration of these plasticizers from MDs, has shown that TOTM and DEHT present the best benefit / risk ratio due to lower migration and cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, it is important to evaluate the level of exposure of neonatal intensive care patients, due to the multi exposure to MD made of PVC, the frequent use of intravenous route and the vulnerability of this at-risk population to the metabolites of these plasticizers.