Scorpion Stings in Tehran Province, Iran: A Seven-Year Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Scorpion sting is an important public health problem in Iran. This study aimed to describe the demographics, clinical and laboratory findings of the scorpion stings victims in Tehran Province. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatments, and disposition of scorpion sting patients in Tehran Province, Iran, during 7 years (2012-2018). Results: A total of 199 cases of scorpion sting cases with a mean (SD) age of 30 (18.7) years were studied. The majority of patients were males (62.8%). The most affected age group was 20-30 years (31.1%). The majority of victims (45.7%) were residents in the southern districts of Tehran. The yellow scorpions (33.2%) were responsible for a larger number of envenomations. Most of the stings have been occurred in summer (68.8%). Also, the most affected limbs were hands and legs (94.4%). Most patients (58.8%) had localized manifestations, and the common systemic clinical presentations were hypotension (41.7%) and hypertension (17.1%). Also, the common laboratory findings increased blood urea nitrogen (48.7%), hyperglycemia (20.1%), and anemia (15.1%). The polyvalent anti-scorpion serum had been administered for 33.2% of victims. All patients had been recovered and were discharged in good condition without any complications. There was no fatality report. Conclusion: The demographic characteristics of scorpion sting in Tehran Province are similar to those previously reported from other Iran provinces. It seems that the incidence and clinical severity of scorpionism in Tehran are lower than those compared to other tropical and sub-tropical zones in Iran.