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Abstract

Due to medical complications related to stiffness developed in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) feeding tubes presently manufactured with di-octylphthalate (DOP), we have assessed the flexibility of PVC tubes manufactured with a nonmigrating plasticizer, ti-octyltrimellitate (TOTM) (National Catheter Co., Argyle, NY). Two sizes of DOP and TOTM PVC feedings tubes were evaluated, #5 French and #8 French. Number 5 French DOP tubes became significantly stiffer as early as 1 to 2 days after intubation and continued to stiffen up to 8 days of use. Among the #5 French DOP tubes, those placed in the jejunum were found to become significantly stiffer than those placed in the stomach. No correlations were found between the development of stiffness and gestational age, postnatal age, sex, birthweight, or kinds of feedings. In contrast, #5 French TOTM and #8 French tubes (DOP and TOTM) did not develop any significant stiffness up to 5 to 8 days of use. This study demonstrates the sustained flexibility of TOTM tubes, an important factor to increase the safety of enteral feedings in newborn infants.

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Sustained Flexibility in Infant Feeding Tubes Containing Nonmigrating Plasticizer

Abstract

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