Baxter Admits Link with Dialysis Deaths

A growing scandal of sudden deaths among dialysis patients is spreading worldwide.

Following investigations in the United States, Spain, Croatia, Germany and Sweden, Baxter International, Inc., announced the recall of several types of kidney dialysis filters in October 2001. Three weeks later, Baxter issued a press release admitting its own manufacturing process may have caused the deaths of numerous dialysis patients. Baxter's recall comes after widespread publicity over the suspicious deaths of over 93 dialysis patients in six different countries, including the United States.

Baxter initially denied there was a problem with its filters produced in Sweden. The company now admits that traces of a toxic chemical, a perflurorhydrocarbon used in quality control tests, were not removed during the manufacturing process. Tests on animals have reportedly shown that the chemical might cause bubbles to form in the patient's blood. According to a report presented by Spanish doctors, this may explain the sudden, multi-organ failure deaths.

In the United States, at least one patient died during dialysis and another shortly after dialysis, both of cardiopulmonary arrest. Other patients complained of severe shortness of breath.

The following dialyzers — labeled either Althane or Baxter — were recalled: Series A11, A15, A18 and A22; Series AF150, AF180 and AF220; Series AX1500 and AX2200. The products were distributed from January 1998 to October 15, 2001.

Persons affected by this recall should learn about their legal rights and options. Call: 422-7773 in Tallahassee or 800-876-7773 (toll free). Calls are answered 24 hours a day. For additional information see: www.wrongfullyinjured.com.

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