Hydrogen sulfide in parenteral amino-acid solutions

We have previously reported appreciable concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in paediatric amino-acid solutions, apparently formed from cysteine during the production process. Since manufacturers assured us of their aim to reduce the contents of the potentially toxic H2S in these solutions, we determined whether lower amounts have been achieved 2 years after our first report. Median H20S content of 13 paediatric amino-acid solutions was 22.8 μg/I (range: not detectable to > 280 μg/l which is comparable to the amounts previously found. Median H2S content of 8 special solutions for renal and hepatic disorders was 15.8 μg/I (range not detectable to > 280 μg/I). We conclude that manufacturers should make further efforts to reduce H2S amounts in parenteral amino-acid solutions.