Scorpionism in east Minas Gerais: clinical and epidemiological aspects

Abstract

Objective: To report scorpion stings that occurred in eastern Minas Gerais. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from medical records of patients admitted by scorpionism in Municipal Hospital. Statistical analyses were performed using the characterization of the total cases through descriptive statistics, which was presented in absolute and relative frequencies. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: There were 4,618 cases of scorpion stings, with the highest incidence from October to December. The males were more affected. The majority accidents were classified as mild occurrences. Local pain was reported in 98.04% of cases.  The elapsed time between the accident and medical care varied mostly between 0-3 hours, the upper limbs were the most affected area. There was a total of 12 deaths predominantly in the 1–14 age group that presented systemic complications, with the cause of death being acute pulmonary edema and/or shock. Conclusion: The variables age, the elapsed time between the accident and medical care and the severity of symptoms played a pivotal role in death after poisoning by scorpion sting.