[Phthalic acid esters in the peritoneal cavity of patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis].

A solution for peritoneal dialysis stored in bags made from material which does not contain diethylhexyl phthalate is significantly less contaminated with this plasticizer, as compared with a solution stored in bags made from PVC with diethylhexyl phthalate. The afferent tube which contains diethylhexyl phthalate in all sets investigated by the authors is not an important source of this plasticizer for the peritoneal solution. Contamination of the peritoneal solution with dibutyl phthalate added to colours used for print on the bags (inscription on the outside of the bag) was found in both types of bags (no significant differences were found).

[Clinical use of infusion pumps with rotors in occlusive tracts].

The authors used in clinical practice an infusion pump driven by a rotation system with an occlusive pathway whereby the movement of the rotor is ensured by a stepper with reduction of the steps to 12,800 microsteps per revolution. As regards the degree of mechanical damage of the inserted tube of the infusion set this system did not differ from the keyboard system which is used by the majority of manufacturers as the driving unit of infusion pumps. Mechanical damage of the infusion set made from PVC was evaluated by the authors with regard to the amount of phthalic acid extracts which are added to PVC as softening agents and are not chemically linked.