Dialysis Patients Hit by Rash of Ailments

Medical experts are mystified by a rash of blood ailments that struck 14 dialysis patients during treatment at two different facilities in Lincoln. The attacks, known as hemolytic episodes, stem from a breakdown of red blood cells, causing high blood pressure, chest and back pain and shortness of breath. They occurred during dialysis, a procedure to remove wastes from the blood of patients whose kidneys have failed. Four of the 14 patients were hospitalized, and one remained in critical condition. Representatives of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, as well as local and state health officials, are investigating.