Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2383

Introduction: Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are chemical compounds capable of altering hormonal balance, which can lead to adverse health effects. Within this group, phthalates, organophosphate esters (OPEs), and parabens are widely used in medical devices and personal care products. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has identified them as substances with endocrine-disrupting potential, either confirmed or under evaluation. Due to their biological immaturity and rapid development, premature newborns are particularly susceptible to exposure to these chemicals, which could have short- and long-term health implications.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the presence of phthalates, OPEs, and parabens in urine samples from preterm newborns admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). To achieve this, highly precise analytical methodologies are employed to assess potential exposure risks and their relationship with environmental factors within the hospital setting.

Methodology: Urine samples were collected from premature patients throughout their hospitalization in the NICU and analyzed using high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF). Sample preparation was carried out using the QuEChERS protocol, designed for the extraction, identification, and quantification of EDCs in biological matrices.

Results: A total of 48 urine samples from 24 neonates (8 girls and 16 boys) were analyzed, with a mean gestational age of 31.5 weeks (±2.8) and a birth weight of 1518 g (±393), corresponding to a z-score of -0.45 (±1.07). Among the evaluated compounds, OPEs showed the highest concentrations (25.9 ± 31.5 μg/l), followed by phthalates (24.9 ± 19.9 μg/l), whereas parabens, despite being detected more frequently, were found at lower concentrations (1.91 ± 3.48 μg/l). This finding aligns with NICU policies restricting the use of topical products such as creams or gels during the first three weeks of life. Additionally, an inverse relationship was identified between gestational age and the levels of these compounds, suggesting that exposure may be influenced by the hospital environment and the types of materials used at different stages of neonatal care.

Conclusions: Although the detected levels of phthalates, OPEs, and parabens in hospitalized newborns do not appear to pose an immediate health risk, it is crucial to establish continuous monitoring strategies and exposure reduction measures in hospital settings such as the NICU. Identifying additional risk factors, such as the composition of medical materials used, could help minimize associated adverse effects. These findings emphasize the need to develop stricter regulations regarding the use of chemical additives in medical and hospital environments.