Heparin Deaths

There have been more than 80 reported deaths in the United States linked to the use of contaminated Heparin (produced by Baxter International). Most of the deaths occurred among patients that were administrated with a contaminated batch of Baxter Heparin supplied by a Chinese facility. The contaminated Heparin caused a severe allergic reaction that led to many deaths. In February 2008, Baxter International recalled their entire Heparin supply.

On April 29, 2008, a congressional committee addressed the FDA’s and Baxter failure to detect the contaminated Heparin and prevent many deaths. Leroy Hubley from Ohio testified that an adverse reaction induced by a contaminated heparin injection his wife received during kidney dialysis caused her death. Within a month, contaminated heparin received during kidney dialysis was also responsible for his son’s death.

Related Topics:

Dangerous Product Alert:

Baxter Recalls All Heparin Products

Related News:

Heparin deaths can also occur as a result of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. A study showed that Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia together with thrombosis may be fatal, responsible for 30% of patient deaths.

Heparin Deaths Due to Overdose

Heparin overdose is the most publicized cause of Heparin deaths. Heparin overdose causes about 7,000 deaths per year. Heparin is one of eight medications that account for more than 30% of medical errors. Heparin overdose occurs mainly through human error when the pharmacy, nurse, or doctor administers the wrong dosage.

In November 2007, reported cases of Heparin overdose received national attention when actor Dennis Quaid’s twin infants and another infant in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA received adult dosages of heparin that were 1,000 times stronger than the appropriate dosage. The error occurred because Baxter produces two vial sizes: 10,000 units/ml and 10 units/ml in extremely similar bottles. The incident prompted Baxter to change the color and font of the adult Heparin vial to avoid future confusion and unnecessary death.

Infants face the greatest risk of death from Heparin overdose, especially premature babies with weak immune systems. In 2006, there were three reported cases of infant deaths attributable to Heparin overdose. A healthy adult, however, can also suffer significant injury and even death from Heparin overdose.

The signs of Heparin overdose are: