European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STING TO THE HEART: A STUDY ON THE CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF SCORPION STING EVENOMATION AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Priyasha Tripathi* and Priya Gogia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Though not a big problem in developed countries, scorpion sting still occupies a major health issue in developing countries. Late presentation to hospital due to local practices, false beliefs and unavailability of specific medical care leads to severe manifestation, even death. Methods and Materials: A descriptive observational study was done at Government medical college and District hospital Vidisha for duration of 18 months in which 30 children were included from Aug 2020 to Jan 2022. Their symptomatology, clinical manifestations, complications and outcome were studied. Results: Pain and parasthesia at the sting site was reported in almost all patients. Myocarditis (26%) and pulmonary edema (6.6%) were less frequently encountered. Complications were seen in children who presented late but no death was reported due to scorpion sting in this duration. Prazosin therapy proved to be the most effective and life saving measure if administered on time. Conclusion: Scorpion sting can be considered as ‘occupational hazard’ for rural children playing and working in agricultural fields. Early and specific medical therapy with close monitoring can limit the resulting morbidity.

Keywords: Scorpion evenomation, paediatric emergency, prazosin therapy.