Profile of scorpion sting in children admitted in the pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Venomous scorpion sting is a medical emergency. The clinical manifestations vary widely between the children and adult group. Aims: The aims of the study were to study the profile of scorpion sting in children admitted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Materials and Methods: Sixty-one cases of scorpion sting admitted in PICU of MGM Medical College were studied. A detailed history was taken, and a thorough clinical examination was done in all patients. All patients with cold extremities, sweating, and tachycardia were given prazosin. Patients with features of shock were treated with oral prazosin plus dobutamine. Patients with features of shock and myocarditis were treated with prazosin plus dobutamine plus antiscorpion venom therapy. Results: Of 61 cases enrolled in our study, scorpion sting was more common in monsoon followed by summer season. The sting was more prevalent in the lower limb. The most common symptom was pain followed by cold extremities. Dyspnea due to pulmonary edema and bradycardia were less common. Tachycardia was frequently noted (80%). Two patients presented after 12 h had developed pulmonary edema and died. Conclusion: Prazosin had good outcomes in all patients with scorpion sting when administered at the time of admission. The study throws light on the common clinical features and complications of scorpion sting.