Exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and eczema in children: A pilot study

摘要

Background: Recent studies suggest an association between the exposure to phthalate and atopic diseases in children. Aims: We aimed to evaluate whether the concentrations of urinary mono-n-butyl phthalates (MnBP), the metabolite of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), are associated with eczema in children. Methods: Urine samples were obtained from 152 children in three daycare facilities. The concentrations of urinary MnBP and creatinine were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The status of eczema in the past 12 months was evaluated using the questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children core module. The questionnaire was completed by the parents or guardians of the subjects. The t-test and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of subjects was 5.0 (1.0). The geometric mean of the concentrations of urinary MnBP was 163.4 μg/g creatinine (interquartile range 112.5-253.1 μg/g creatinine). Urinary concentration of MnBP in those who with eczema was significantly higher than those who without eczema (geometric mean 198.1,152.4, respectively, p=0.02). Compared to subjects with low urinary MnBP (＜10th percentile), subjects with high urinary MnBP (＞90th percentile) were more likely to have eczema (odds ratio 15.5, 95% confidence interval 1.5-157.5; adjusted for age and gender). Conclusions: Exposure to DBP may be associated with the risk of eczema in children.