Publication:

Clinical profile of scorpion sting envenomation in children

Background Scorpion sting envenomation is a life threatening emergency. The main objective is to study the clinical profile and outcome of scorpion sting envenomation in children.

Methods This retrospective study analyzed case records of children under 15 years of age who admitted with scorpion sting envenomation from Feb 2014 to Jan 2016. Case records were analyzed for age and sex of the patient; site of scorpion sting, time lapsed from the scorpion sting to hospitalization, season, clinical manifestations, duration of hospital stay and outcome.

Results During the study period, 164 children were admitted for scorpion sting. Majority of the children are from rural area, male sex, and stung in lower limb, mostly during nights of summer. Local pain at the site of sting and sweating are the commonest local symptoms and systemic sign, respectively. 53.65% children had class II severity. Mean duration of hospital stay was 3 days. Two patients died, both had pulmonary edema.

Conclusions Prompt referral and early therapy with prazocin is life saving for scorpion sting envenomation in children.