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Until the advent of aseptic deliveries and aseptic umbilical cord care, many deaths occurred from umbilical infections. Omphalitis is a localized infection of the umbilical cord stump, most commonly caused by a single organism, which usually responds well to appropriate antibiotics. Umbilical sepsis is relatively uncommon in the developed world but is endemic in less-developed regions. Complications of omphalitis are exceedingly rare, but potentially catastrophic. Many of these babies will require surgical intervention. This paper aims to review the serious complications of omphalitis and how these should be managed. Conclusion: It is important to be aware of the rare but potentially lethal complications of omphalitis. Prompt recognition of serious sequelae is crucial for survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the aetiopathogenetic factors in cases of retroperitoneal abscess in young infants, particularly the correlation with omphalitis.Methods: We describe the cases of two infants, aged 8 and 3 wk, respectively, with a history of omphalitis during the first weeks of life and subsequent development of a retroperitoneal abscess. Both infants underwent surgical drainage of the abscess.Results: In case 1, Staphylococcus aureus was found in cultures from abscess pus, and in case 2 from umbilical pus, abscess purulent material and blood. Both infants are in good health after a follow-up of 6 mo and 8 y, respectively.Conclusion: Retroperitoneal abscesses in young infants are usually considered to be idiopathic. A correlation with omphalitis was found in both of the reported cases and it is thought that this could have been due to an aetiopathogenetic factor. Furthermore, we stress the importance of suspicion of retroperitoneal abscesses for early diagnosis and treatment, and discuss the therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]