In Egypt, scorpion envenomation is a serious problem. It represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children. This study aims to evaluate demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and prognostic indicators of affected children.
This work is a prospective hospital based study of scorpion sting envenomation patients. It was performed on 50 children of both sexes. Their ages varied from 1 to 15 years with history of scorpion sting who were presented to Assiut university hospitals from first of August 2011 to first of February 2012. Detailed history, clinical examination and diagnosis of systemic involvements were performed. Hemoglobin concentration, White cell count, Platelet count, Serum urea level, Serum creatinine level and Cardiac enzymes: CPK & LD were measured. Patients were classified according to severity of cases into four grades.
This study showed that the most affected age group was from 2 to less than 4 years. Boys affected more than girls. Affection was more in rural areas, during summer and the most common site of sting was lower limbs. Scorpion sting caused a wide range of effects ranging from local pain and parathesia at site of sting to cardiotoxicity, pulmonary edema, encephalopathy and other manifestations. There was a relationship between grade of severity and hospital arrival. There was a significant statistical increase in renal function tests, cardiac enzymes & WBCs number and a non significant reduction in HB concentration. Tachepnea, myocarditis, shock, encephalopathy, and acute pulmonary edema were associated with poor outcome with 18% deaths.