Phthalates in IV tubes put preemies at risk

Intravenous feeding tubes that contain phthalates may raise liver disease risks for premature babies, a new study reports.

Premature infants are already at high risk for liver complications. The study, released Monday in the journal Pediatrics, found that liver problems developed in 50 percent of the infants fed with the tubes containing the phthalate DEHP, but in just 13 percent of infants fed without chemical-containing tubes.

Researchers recommended that hospitals treating newborns switch to equipment without phthalates. Doctors' concerns are rising as well.

Deborah Cory-Slechta, a professor at the University of Rochester medical school, called the study a "pretty strong damnation" of phthalates. 

"It needs to be replicated," she told the Associated Press. "But I still think this makes a very strong case for getting rid of these compounds."