Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

A Chinese toddler’s urine turned to the colour of “soy sauce” after his parents left his blood condition untreated for days because were worried he would be quarantined and they would not be able to see him.

The three-year-old boy, whose name has not been given, was finally brought to Dongguan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, in South China’s Guangdong Province, on 28th February.

According to reports, he was put in paediatric intensive care after presenting with symptoms such as “soy sauce-coloured” dark urine, jaundice, and fatigue.

Tests later confirmed he had anaemia, which was triggered by a congenital metabolic condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency – or G6PDD.

Paediatrician Ma Zhanying told local media: “His urine was dark red, and he was very weak when he arrived.

“His lips were white and his face had turned yellow. Blood tests showed he was anaemic.

“His parents had returned from another province. When they arrived in Dongguan, they noticed the child had a fever and a stomach ache.

“But because they had just arrived back in Dongguan, and they were afraid he would be quarantined because of his fever, they were too afraid to bring him to hospital.

“The colour of his urine gradually turned dark until they were forced to bring him here.”

The tot was given blood transfusions and saw a gradual improvement of his symptoms – including urine discolouration – after 48 hours.

He was moved out of PICU into the general ward on 1st March, the hospital reported.

Doctor Ma noted that the boy’s G6PDD symptoms were likely triggered by medication he was taking for his fever, which was not related to COVID-19.

Potential triggers include aspirin and antimalarial medication, as well as stress, viral infections or certain foods.

The toddler remains in hospital under observation. It was also noted that leaving his amaenia untreated would have further weakend the tot, making him more vulnerable to covid-19.

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