Medical teams treat rare birth defects in Vietnam and China

Medical professionals in Vietnam have successfully treated a newborn suffering from a rare amniotic band syndrome, a condition occurring in approximately 1 in 15,000 cases. The infant, born via C-section in Phu Tho, presented with skin bands constricting the left lower leg and fingers on both hands, which threatened blood flow and nerve function.

Due to the risk of limb loss, surgeons performed a two-stage operation when the infant was only 12 hours old. The first stage involved partially cutting the fibrous bands and preserving vital blood vessels and nerves. Following a recovery period, a second surgery is planned to complete the release of the constrictions. The infant is currently stable with healthy circulation.

In a separate medical event in China, doctors at Wuhan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital performed an emergency C-section on a 32-week fetus after a sudden drop in heart rate. Upon delivery, medical staff discovered the umbilical cord was twisted approximately 40 times, appearing dark purple. The infant, weighing 1.7 kg, survived the procedure and is receiving follow-up care in the neonatal unit.