Baxter Says Deaths Unrelated To Heparin Quality

NEW YORK (AP) — Baxter International Inc. said Friday two patient deaths in a Delaware hospital, along with a third case of cerebral hemorrhage, were unrelated to the quality of its blood-thinner heparin.

Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating the deaths of two Delaware hospital patients who were given heparin. In all, three patients suffered cerebral hemorrhages. Officials at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del. reported the adverse reactions.

Baxter said it and the FDA launched a "comprehensive" investigation following the reports.

"Following extensive product testing and further medical evaluation, we are confident that the events at Beebe Medical Center are unfortunate, isolated, institution-specific issues, unrelated to the quality of Baxter's heparin premix product," said Camille Farhat, general manager of Baxter Pharmaceuticals & Technologies, part of Baxter's Medication Delivery business.

Deerfield, Ill.-based Baxter was involved in a heparin recall last year following several reports of adverse reactions. Premix bags of heparin, such as those used at Beebe, were not involved in last year's recall. The recalled products involved contaminated product from China.

Pfizer supplied the active ingredient used in the premix bags and the finished product was made by Baxter at a facility in Puerto Rico.