| Theme |
Biocompatibility on Materials for Dialysis Equipments and Devices |
| Title |
Availability of DEHP-free hemodialysis tubing |
| Author |
Tomoyuki Yamakawa |
Division of Diagnostics, Shirasagi Hospital |
| Author |
Kazumi Okabayashi |
Division of Clinical Engineering, Shirasagi Hospital |
| Author |
Tadashi Yamamoto |
Division of Medical Technology, Shirasagi Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer commonly used in hemodialysis tubing, made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Recently, leaching of DEHP during hemodialysis sessions has raised concern about the potential toxicity of the plasticizer. Because of this suspected toxicity, intensive research for a new biologically inert plasticizer has been initiated. Among the plasticizers studied, tris-2 (ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TOTM) is the only alternative to DEHP for PVC hemodialysis tubing at the present time. Several studies in vitro and in vivo observed the lower toxicity of TOTM compaired to DEHP. The leachability of TOTM from hemodialysis tubing during dialysis sessions was also lower than that of DEHP. These findings suggest that TOTM can be recommended as an alternative to DEHP plasticizer. |