Baxter International, a US manufacturer of medical devices, late last week initiated a global recall of several types of its membrane dialysers following the deaths earlier this month of 21 kidney patients in Croatia.

A Baxter kidney blood filter was also linked to the deaths in August of 12 patients having haemodialysis treatment in hospitals in Spain, but the filter has since been given a clean bill of health.

The Croatian patients all died between 8 October and 13 October. All had been undergoing treatment at hospitals in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Sibenik, and Pula with membrane dialysis filters manufactured by US based Baxter International. Some died while having treatment; others choked to death or died of coronary problems shortly after treatment.

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