Measurement of Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether in Japanese infants with NICU hospitalization history

Background Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) are used in medical devices, such as intravenous sets, syringes, and catheters. Several studies have reported that these compounds are endocrine disruptors, cytotoxic, and genotoxic, raising concerns about their adverse effects on infants, in a stage of remarkable growth and development. The present study aimed to measure the serum concentrations of BADGE, derivatives of BADGE, and BFDGE in infants and examine the factors that influence them. Methods Ten infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were enrolled in the present study. Blood samples from each infant and questionnaires from their mothers were collected twice, at 1-2 months and 7 months of age. BADGE, BADGE*H.sub.2O, BADGE*2H.sub.2O, and BFDGE were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results Serum BADGE*2H.sub.2O was identified in all infants, at both 1-2 months (2.30-157.58 ng/ml) and 7 months of age (0.86-122.85 ng/ml). One of the two infants who received invasive ventilation showed a substantially increased BADGE*2H.sub.2O concentration. There was no significant difference in BADGE*2H.sub.2O concentrations at 7 months of age between the group that ate commercial baby food at least [greater than or equal to] 1 time per week and the group that did not. Conclusions BADGE*2H.sub.2O was detected in the serum of all infants with a history of NICU hospitalization. Future studies are needed to determine the source of BADGE exposure and investigate its effects on infant development. Keywords: Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, Bisphenol F diglycidyl ether, Neonatal exposure, Medical equipment