An unusual presentation of a cystic duplication of the sigmoid colon entirely lined with squamous epithelium.

Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital malformations that occur most commonly in the jejunoileal part of the gastrointestinal tract. Management of this pathologic condition is usually drawn up. We report a case of descending colonic communicating duplication in which clinical presentation and anatomopathologic results were unexpected.

The use of drugs with a life-shortening effect in end-of-life care in neonates and infants.

Objective: The purpose was to describe the use of drugs with a possible or certain life-shortening effect in end-of-life care in infants and to evaluate the possibly lethal effect.

Design: For 292/298 deaths of live born infants (<1 year), in a 1-year period (between 1 August 1999 and 31 July 2000) in Flanders, Belgium, the attending physician could be identified and was sent an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaires relating to deaths directly preceded by the administration of drugs were reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel.

Tuberculosis in healthcare workers caring for a congenitally infected infant.

Objective: To assess the extent of nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis among infants, family members, and healthcare workers (HCWs) who were exposed to a 29-week-old premature infant with congenital tuberculosis, diagnosed at 102 days of age.

Design: A prospective exposure investigation using tuberculin skin test (IST conversion was conducted. Contacts underwent two skin tests 10 to 12 weeks apart.