The following is from Becker’s Hospital Review.

Hospitals nationwide are facing a shortage of IV fluids due to Hurricane Helene’s impact. Mass General Brigham received a notice from Baxter International, the nation’s largest IV solutions supplier, stating a 40% reduction in their typical supply.

“We have been informed that due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, we will be receiving a reduced supply of IV fluids from Baxter International as they work to mitigate disruptions in their manufacturing operations,”

Paul Biddinger, MD, Chief Preparedness and Continuity Officer, Mass General Brigham

The shortage stems from the closure of a Baxter International plant in North Carolina, which suffered storm damage. Mass General Brigham and others, like Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, have implemented conservation measures such as using oral hydration. Northwestern Medicine in Chicago told NBC News they expect the disruptions to be a “long-term issue.”

Hospitals have limited options to boost supplies. An official from Premier, a hospital purchasing organization, told The Wall Street Journal that relying on European manufacturers is not feasible due to global shortages. B. Braun Medical, which supplies around 23% of the US market, is expanding operations to help fill the gap.

For more information, read the full article here.