A one-day-old newborn in Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam has died after receiving an intramuscular injection of Benzathine benzylpenicillin, a standard antibiotic used to prevent congenital syphilis, Ca Mau Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital said on Sunday.

The baby boy arrived via C-section at 39 weeks on Friday last week, weighed 3.7kg, and initially showed good health, strong crying, and normal reflexes. 

However, his mother, a native of Dam Doi District, tested positive for syphilis, and he was admitted to the neonatal ward at 10:00 pm the same day for monitoring and prophylactic treatment.

The following morning at 6:45 am, the newborn was administered Benzathine benzylpenicillin at a dose of 50,000 units/kg body weight, following Vietnam’s Ministry of Health guidelines.

Moments later, he developed cyanosis (bluish skin), exhibited chest retractions, and experienced breathing difficulties.

Medical staff immediately provided emergency care, including oxygen support and intramuscular adrenaline injection. 

However, the baby’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to severe anaphylactic shock. 

Despite intensive resuscitation efforts, including intubation, he passed away at 8:30 am on Saturday.

The hospital’s preliminary report suggests the likely cause of death was grade-4 anaphylactic shock triggered by the antibiotic. 

Following the incident, hospital officials notified local police and informed the family, who did not file an immediate complaint and took the baby home for burial.

Authorities are now conducting a full investigation to determine the exact cause of his death and evaluate medical procedures related to the case.

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