SCORPION ENVENOMATION :AN EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN AT RABIGH GENERAL HOSPITAL, KSA
Keywords:
Scorpion, envenomation, antivenomAbstract
Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scorpion envenomation in children.
Materials and Methods: It was an observational descriptive study for children 11 yrs of age or younger , was carried
out, who presented or reffered to emergency department at Rabigh General Hospital due to documented scorpion
stings from February 2007 to July 2011.
Results: A total of 41 cases of scorpion envenomation were observed during the study time period. The mean age
was 5.4 years ranging from 9 months to 11 years. Male patients were 22 (53.6%). The peak frequency of scorpion
stings was observed in the month of June .Most of the stings were on exposed parts of the limbs mainly lower limbs
in 30 patients ( 73%). Local signs (Redness & Swelling) and pain were the most common clinical manifestations seen
in 61% of patients. Most common systemic manifestations were restlessness and irritability (31.7%) followed by
vomiting ( 26.8%) and cold extremities (19.5%). All our patients received scorpion antivenom according to guidelines
of Ministry of Health Saudia Arabia. One child died while others were discharged within three days of post admission.
Conclusion: Although most of scorpion envenomations in children have a good prognosis, severe complications
and death may occur.
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