Baxter Says 2 Died During Dialysis

Baxter International Inc. said two kidney patients died suddenly while undergoing dialysis using its blood filters similar to those blamed for 31 deaths in Europe.

The Deerfield, Ill.-based company launched a global recall of its A and AF series dialyzers, saying it will keep the products off the market until it can determine whether they are safe.

Baxter had earlier reported an 18% increase in third-quarter earnings and issued an upbeat forecast through 2003. It said the patients were halfway through their sessions when the deaths occurred.

Baxter called the recall a precaution, adding it was not clear whether the dialyzers--used to clean the blood of patients with kidney malfunctions--caused the deaths.

Shares of Baxter declined $1.90 to $49.53 on the NYSE.