Medications and Phthalate Exposure in the U.S. Population
Author Information
Author(s): Sonia Hernández-Díaz, Allen A. Mitchell, Katherine E. Kelley, Antonia M. Calafat, Russ Hauser
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Do users of phthalate-containing medications have higher urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites than nonusers?
Conclusion
Certain medications may significantly increase exposure to phthalates, raising health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations.
Supporting Evidence
- Users of mesalamine had urinary concentrations of monobutyl phthalate 50 times higher than nonusers.
- Six subjects reported using mesalamine, with their MBP concentrations significantly exceeding safe limits.
- Users of didanosine, omeprazole, and theophylline also showed elevated urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites.
Takeaway
Some medicines might have tiny plastic bits in them that can get into our bodies and could be bad for our health.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004, comparing urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations between users and nonusers of specific medications.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of misclassification of exposure due to reliance on self-reported medication use.
Limitations
The study may misclassify exposure due to lack of detailed medication information and potential non-adherence to prescribed medications.
Participant Demographics
Participants included a diverse population with varying ages, sexes, and races, with at least three pregnant women among the users.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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