CHICAGO (AP) - A new study says a chemical used in many plastic products may be raising the risk of liver problems in premature babies.
The small study in a German hospital suggests a chemical known as a phthalate, used in some intravenous feeding bags and tubing, may raise preemies' chances for liver damage.
It should be noted there is no solid proof implicating the phthalate studied, DEHP. At least one expert finds the German study unconvincing.
However, the researchers say their results show that hospitals treating newborns or preemies should turn to IV feeding equipment that doesn't contain DEHP. Some hospitals in the U.S. already have switched.
Premature babies' livers are immature so they are already at risk for liver complications. They also are often fed intravenously, a practice already known to increase liver problems.
The new study is published in the journal Pediatrics.
On the Net:
FDA: http://www.fda.gov
Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org
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