Long before Helene, IV fluid shortages plagued hospitals
Years before Hurricane Helene shut down a critical intravenous fluid facility in North Carolina, sparking concerns in hospitals across the country, many common IV fluids were already in short supply in the U.S.
Years before Hurricane Helene shut down a critical intravenous fluid facility in North Carolina, sparking concerns in hospitals across the country, many common IV fluids were already in short supply in the U.S.
Saline solution, a mixture of sodium chloride and water, has been in shortage since 2018, according to the Food and Drug Administration’s drug shortage database. Saline drips, which provide hydration, are a frequent sight in hospitals. And sterile water, which is used to mix with medications, dilute other fluids or clean wounds, has been in shortage since 2021.
And several concentrations of dextrose, a sugar solution used to help patients who can’t eat, have low blood sugar or need extra energy, have been in short supply since early 2022.
Helene’s damage to the Baxter International plant in North Carolina triggered several additional shortages, the FDA said last week, including another concentration of dextrose solution, along with an electrolyte solution called lactated Ringer’s and a peritoneal dialysis solution for patients with kidney failure.
So, why are these essential fluids — a lifeline for hospitals — so hard to come by?
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