Vietnam pediatric hospitals treat rare newborn defect and toddler drug poisoning

Doctors at Hospital for Children 1 in Ho Chi Minh City successfully performed emergency surgery on a one‑day‑old infant born at 35 weeks weighing 1.6 kg. The baby suffered three rare congenital digestive defects – esophageal atresia with a fistula, jejunal atresia and absence of an anus – requiring simultaneous repair of the esophagus, jejunum and creation of an artificial anus. Post‑operative monitoring showed the infant stabilising and beginning to feed.

In Can Tho, a 46‑month‑old boy was admitted with severe hypertension (150/100 mm Hg), headache, vomiting and cold extremities after his mother used an adult nasal decongestant spray to treat his congestion. Doctors identified likely naphazoline poisoning, a vasoconstrictor prohibited for children under 12. After intravenous fluids and careful monitoring, his blood pressure normalised within a day and symptoms resolved. Physicians warned against using adult nasal sprays on children and advised proper nasal care.