Scorpion sting among children with respect to its complications and outcome

Abstract

Scorpion sting is an acute time limiting medical emergency commonly encountered in rural villages of the country. It is a major public health problem in many tropical and sub tropical countries. India is most affected country in Asian epidemiological data. This study was done to study the complications and outcome of scorpion sting in children. This is a prospective observational study.a total of 100 cases of scorpion sting selected from the patients admitted to Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari. The demographical features, clinical presentation, complications, outcome and the response to standard treatment protocol were observed and analysed.Scorpion sting is a common and major health problem in our area. Most commonly affected age group was 4-6 years (27%), and male children (67%) were most commonly affected. These cases were most commonly seen during March (15%) to May (14%) months. Pain at the site of sting (99%) and excessive sweating (92%) were most common presenting complaints, cold extremities (88%), tachycardia (84%), and restlessness (72%) were most common signs noted. Most common complication was myocarditis (15%), followed by pulmonary edema (7%) and encephalopathy (2%). About 98% of cases recovered without sequelae and 2% of cases died due to complications.Scorpion sting is a serious, potentially fatal emergency in our area. Cardiovascular manifestations are most common and are life threatening complication. Administration of prazosin as early as possible is the single most effective intervention to prevent complications and mortality