Socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory profile and outcome in children with scorpion envenomation

Abstract

Background: Aim was to study clinical, socio- demographic and laboratory profile and outcome in children with scorpion envenomation up to 12 years of age. This study conducted to provide better insights in to the socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory profile of scorpion envenomation in rural health setting in India.Methods: This was a hospital based, prospective observational study done in children up to 12 years of age admitted in a tertiary care centre between March 2018 to April 2020 with history of scorpion envenomation, presence of sting mark or scorpion seen in vicinity of child by parents or near family members. Unknown bites or stings and cases were the clinical manifestations are not compatible with scorpion sting were excluded.Results: During the study period, 28 children were admitted for scorpion sting. Maximum number of cases were noted in the age group of 3-6 years and there is equal distribution of cases among males and females .Majority of cases from rural areas, 46.42% of the cases had black scorpion sting, most of the stings occurred during evening time and spring season. The most common sting sites were the distal part of the extremities. Pain at the sting site and local swelling were the most common presenting symptoms. The common signs noted were tachycardia. The most common ECG changes were noted in the present study was sinus tachycardia (46.42%) fallowed by ST segment changes noted in 21.4% of children. Commonest complications noted myocarditis, pulmonary edema, myocardial dysfunction, peripheral circulatory failure. One patient died due to pulmonary edema. Majority of the cases recovered without any sequale.Conclusions: Scorpion envenomation is a preventable emergency among children and closely associated with environmental condition, socioeconomic status and child activities. Supervised outdoor play, early hospitalization, close monitoring of vitals and management of complications and supportive care may reduce the mortality and morbidity.