Background: Scorpion sting envenomation is an acute life-threatening, time-limited medical emergency, commonly seen in villagers. Among the 86 species of scorpions identified in India, Mesobuthus tamulus and Palamnaeus are of medical importance. Morbidity and mortality due to scorpion sting are related to acute pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, and multiorgan failure.
Objective: To evaluate the pattern of presentation and the primary care to be taken to avoid mortality.
Materials and Methods: A total of 210 patients of consecutive scorpion sting were prospectively studied. The data included demographics, the time of presentation to the hospital (Jeevan Jyoti Hospital, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India), and clinical features.
Results: Local pain, sweating, and tachycardia were the common clinical presentations. The red scorpion sting was seen in 60% cases, and the site of sting was found to be the foot region in 61% cases.
Conclusion: Scorpion sting is an acute life-threatening emergency, and an early presentation to the hospital and an early as possibly. We advocate that a prevention method in the form of a health education program carried out by health-care workers.
Key words: Scorpion sting, pain, tachycardia, pulmonary edema
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