Officials in Hong Kong say one woman has died and three others are fighting for their lives after undergoing a beauty treatment involving blood transfusions.

Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said the 46-year-old woman died of septic shock after receiving the treatment at a beauty clinic.

The treatment is being tested as a method to fight cancer but in this case it was used for cosmetic purposes.

The case has raised concerns about potentially risky medical treatments at the city's numerous clinics offering procedures which claim to enhance a person's appearance.

In light of the death, the city's health secretary promised to review regulations governing the clinics and other private medical facilities.

The four women involved also tested positive for a rare, drug-resistant superbug called mycobacterium abscessus.

The three women in hospital are a 64-year-old in critical condition, a 56-year-old in a serious condition and a 59-year old who is stable.

They were among 44 people who underwent the treatment at the DR Beauty chain of clinics.

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