In 2017, Hurricane Maria damaged three IV fluid manufacturing plants in Puerto Rico, also operated by Baxter, which led to a shortage. “Although this particular shortage on these particular IV fluids is not something we’ve encountered,” DeRienzo said. Along with IV fluids, the North Carolina Baxter facility also made specialty fluids, such as peritoneal dialysis fluid as well as irrigation fluids, used to clean wounds. Ganio said those measures won’t solve the ongoing IV fluid shortage problems long term. “The IV fluids are kind of a good example of the chronic shortages,” he said.

---

Persons: Helene, Erin Fox, ” Fox, Fox, ‘, ” Michael Ganio, ” Ganio, ”, hasn’t, Baxter, Chris DeRienzo, Hurricane Maria, we’ve, ” DeRienzo, Ganio Organizations: Food, Baxter, FDA, University of Utah Health, American Society of Health, System, Braun, ICU, American Hospital Association, Carolina Baxter, of Health, Human Services, HHS Locations: North Carolina, U.S, Saline, Puerto Rico, Carolina, Canada, China, Ireland