Late presentation of congenital dislocation of the hip: an audit.

Despite the widespread introduction of neonatal screening programmes, the late presentation of congenital dislocation of the hip remains a considerable problem. Important gaps in our understanding of the natural history of this condition make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of screening. An audit of late presenting cases of congenital dislocation of the hip in south Bedfordshire between 1980 and 1988 suggests that improved liaison between hospital doctors and general practitioners and closer scrutiny as children start walking could make screening more effective.

International outbreak of staphylococcal food poisoning caused by contaminated lasagne.

An outbreak of staphylococcal food poisoning in Europe caused by contaminated lasagne was detected and monitored by both national and international surveillance systems. The common source was a pasta-producing factory in Italy and high levels of Staphylococcus aureus were detected in packets of dried lasagne distributed in Luxembourg, the UK, France and Italy. Forty-seven cases were reported in the UK.