Over the past week, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital organized a series of scientific seminars featuring two topics on neonatal pneumothorax and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), aiming to update knowledge and share practical experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of complex pediatric diseases.
Nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals nationwide attended the scientific seminar on neonatal pneumothorax: Strengthening international professional connections
On October 7, 2026, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital held a scientific seminar themed “Neonatal Pneumothorax,” chaired by Prof. Tran Minh Dien, Director of the Hospital, and Assoc. Prof. Khu Thi Khanh Dung, Vice President of the Vietnam Pediatric Association. The program featured the participation of Prof. John Colin Partridge, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA, an expert with years of collaboration with the hospital in pediatric and neonatal training and professional exchange.
The program attracted nearly 1,000 doctors and trainees at Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and colleagues nationwide, participating both in-person and online.
Pneumothorax is a respiratory emergency that can progress rapidly, causing respiratory failure, shock, and threatening the child’s life. At the event, Dr. Le Thi Ha – Director of the Neonatal Care Center at Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, presented cases of secondary pneumothorax in newborns, analyzing risk factors related to resuscitation and respiratory support, especially in cesarean-born babies, premature infants, and infants with respiratory distress requiring CPAP or mechanical ventilation. These practical experiences help doctors improve their ability to identify risks, closely monitor clinical developments, and handle cases promptly to limit complications for children.
Dr. Le Thi Ha shared a clinical report on cases of secondary neonatal pneumothorax.
Following the presentation on clinical practices, Prof. John Colin Partridge focused on discussing common causes, early warning signs, management methods, and the prevention of neonatal pneumothorax. The Professor emphasized that this condition may begin with atypical manifestations but can progress severely within a short time; therefore, early detection and appropriate intervention play a particularly vital role in ensuring the infant’s safety.
Prof. John Colin Partridge discussed international experiences in the identification, management, and prevention of neonatal pneumothorax.
Speaking at the program, Prof. Tran Minh Dien emphasized that managing neonatal respiratory distress requires a combination of professional knowledge, practical skills, and continuous monitoring. Doctors need to individualize ventilator parameters, evaluate the synchronization between the infant and the ventilator, and simultaneously check the respiratory support system to promptly detect and address factors affecting treatment efficacy.
Prof. Tran Minh Dien chaired the scientific seminar and emphasized the role of close monitoring and individualized respiratory support in neonatal care.
Updating diagnostic and treatment practices for HLH and MAS syndromes
On the afternoon of October 8, 2026, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital organized a scientific seminar themed “Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS): Practical approach in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical monitoring,” with the participation of over 300 delegates, including experts, doctors, and trainees at the Hospital, as well as colleagues nationwide attending in-person and online.
Experts and doctors participating in the scientific seminar on the diagnostic approach, treatment, and monitoring of HLH and MAS.
HLH and MAS are severe and complex medical conditions caused by an excessive immune response, which can occur primarily or secondarily following various other diseases. MAS is commonly seen in autoimmune diseases, especially juvenile arthritis, and can also appear after certain acute infections.
Speaking at the program, Dr. Phan Huu Phuc – Vice Director of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, stated that recently the Hospital has recorded cases of HLH and MAS appearing after acute infections, including cases with unidentified causes. Alongside traditional regimens, targeted therapies and biologics are opening up additional treatment options. Therefore, early identification, timely diagnosis, the selection of appropriate treatment methods, and close monitoring of disease progression are of significant importance.
At the program, Dr. Elizabeth Ang from the National University Hospital, Singapore, shared practical knowledge on how to approach, identify, and diagnose HLH and MAS in clinical practice. She analyzed the diverse manifestations of the diseases, such as prolonged fever, organ failure, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and coagulopathy, extending to central nervous system symptoms. Through this, she emphasized the importance of comprehensively evaluating clinical signs, laboratory tests, and multidisciplinary coordination to detect the disease and provide appropriate treatment directions. Through real clinical cases, Dr. Elizabeth Ang clarified the challenges in diagnosing and managing HLH/MAS, especially when the disease appears after an acute infection.
Dr. Elizabeth Ang updated the approach to HLH and MAS and shared experiences through clinical cases.
The series of scientific seminars provided an opportunity for experts and doctors to update their knowledge and share practical experiences in diagnosing and managing neonatal pneumothorax and approaching HLH and MAS. Simultaneously, it enhanced professional exchange, connected with international experts, and contributed to improving the capacity of medical staff and the quality of pediatric care and treatment.
