Pharmacy faulted in blood thinner deaths

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A hospital in Corpus Christi said Thursday that a mixing error that led to a blood thinner overdose in as many as 17 infants was caused by its pharmacy. Two of the babies involved have died.

The error was unrelated to product labeling or packaging of pediatric heparin, according to the statement by Dr. Richard Davis, chief medical officer of Christus Spohn Health System. The drug is routinely used to flush patients’ intravenous lines and prevent blood clots.

Two employees at the Christus Spohn Hospital South pharmacy took voluntary leave this week while the investigation proceeded. It was not immediately clear whether the confirmation would change their status.

The mixing error is believed to have occurred July 3, and that heparin batch was first administered in the neonatal intensive care unit.