Baxter (NYSE:BAX) warned patients with ascites of a potential software problem with its HomeChoice peritoneal dialysis machine that could cause low blood pressure and "hemodynamic compromise," according to a field alert.
The latest HomeChoice system is designed to empty the peritoneal cavity during the initial drain phase of peritoneal dialysis. Previous versions of the device’s software allowed the drain phase to be stopped and bypassed, but the most recent HomeChoice software removed that option "to mitigate against unintended increased intraperitoneal volume," according to the field alert posted by the Hong Kong Health Dept.
Patients in Hong Kong with ascites, or excess peritoneal fluid, who drain to empty "may be at an increase risk of hypotension and compromise of their hemodynamic status," according to the alert.
Deerfield-Illinois-based Baxter advised clinicians to be aware that the device will attempt to drain patients empty on the initial therapy and to contact the local supplier for necessary actions.
