German authority to investigate Baxter dialysers:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The German federal regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices (BfArM) is to investigate the Althane A haemodialysers manufactured by Baxter International. The dialysers have been linked to several deaths in many countries, including Germany, Croatia, Spain, Taiwan, Italy, Colombia and the US (see Clinica No 983, p 1). Problems with the equipment were first reported in June of this year in India, said BfArM. Baxter began recalling the dialysers as a "preventive measure". BfArM has recommended that, until its investigation is complete, hospitals, clinics and doctors should consider using other dialysers with the same parameters.