In the wake of manufacturing and supply chain issues stemming from Hurricane Helene, the Baxter IV fluid shortage continues to present significant challenges for the healthcare system in 2025. The shortage primarily involves saline and other intravenous solutions, which are essential for managing critically ill patients, surgeries, and routine hospital care. Infrastructure failures and damage to the facilities of Baxter International, a major supplier of IV fluids globally, have forced many healthcare facilities to reduce or stop certain services as slow progress is made on restoring the supply chain (1).

Recent studies emphasize the impact of the Baxter IV fluid shortage on facility operations and patient outcomes. Facilities have reported the need to ration IV fluids, which has sometimes forced healthcare providers to delay or alter treatment protocols (2). The American Society of Anesthesiologists notes that anesthesiologists are particularly affected, as the lack of IV solutions complicates fluid resuscitation and anesthesia management during surgery.

Efforts to address this shortage have been multifaceted. Baxter International has prioritized restoring production at affected facilities and increasing output through alternative manufacturing sites. Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have expedited approvals for importing IV fluids from international manufacturers to alleviate domestic supply constraints (1). However, logistical hurdles and variability in product formulations have hindered progress in overcoming the Baxter IV fluid shortage.

Innovative responses have emerged at both institutional and systemic levels. Hospitals have adopted strategies such as promoting oral hydration when feasible, reducing the reliance on IV fluids for non-critical cases, and optimizing inventory management systems to reduce wastage (3). Clinical education initiatives have also highlighted best practices for fluid administration during shortages, with the goal of improving resource allocation without compromising patient care.

Despite these efforts, gaps in the supply chain remain a persistent challenge. The shortage has spurred broader discussions about the need for diversified production facilities and improved disaster resilience for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Experts argue that over-reliance on a few large suppliers creates systemic vulnerabilities (2). Recommendations include incentivizing the development of decentralized manufacturing hubs and strengthening public–private collaborations to build more robust supply chains.

Emerging technologies, such as predictive analytics and artificial intelligence, have shown the potential to mitigate future shortages. These tools enable more accurate forecasting of demand surges and inventory needs, allowing suppliers and healthcare providers to respond proactively. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have called for increased transparency and accountability from manufacturers and policymakers to ensure that essential medications and supplies remain accessible even during crises (4).

The Baxter IV fluid shortage highlights the fragility of healthcare supply chains and the cascading effects of production disruptions. While temporary measures have led to progress in solving this issue, long-term solutions require systemic changes to enhance resilience and ensure uninterrupted access to critical medical supplies. Continued collaboration among manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and healthcare providers will be essential in preventing and managing similar crises in the future.

References

1. Sherratt J, DR Network. Fluid dynamics: tackling the IV fluid shortage challenge. ChestNet Blog. 2024. Available at: https://www.chestnet.org/newsroom/blog/2024/10/fluid-dynamics-tackling-the-iv-fluid-shortage-challenge.
2. Hocevar R. Anesthesiologists navigate nationwide IV shortage. ASA Monitor. 2025;89(1):30-31. doi:10.1097/01.ASM.0001096764.13255.30
3. Nagesh VK, Pulipaka SP, Bhuju R, Martinez E. Management of gastrointestinal bleed in the intensive care setting: an updated literature review. World J Crit Care Med. 2025;14(1):36-48. doi:10.12996/wjccm.v14.i1.36.
4. Ridley EJ, Bailey M, Chapman MJ, et al. The impact of a tailored nutrition intervention delivered for the duration of hospitalisation on daily energy delivery for patients with critical illness (INTENT): a phase II randomised controlled trial. Crit Care. 2025;29(1):8. Published 2025 Jan 6. doi:10.1186/s13054-024-05189-3