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Indian red scorpion envenoming

H S Bawaskar1, P H Bawaskar

  • 1Bawaskar Hospital and Research Centre, Mahad Raigad, Maharashtra.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 20, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Early prazosin treatment significantly reduces scorpion sting complications in children. Prompt medical attention for scorpion envenoming is crucial to improve outcomes and prevent severe morbidity and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Toxicology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Scorpion envenoming is a significant health concern in children, particularly in regions like Maharashtra, India.
  • Clinical manifestations include hypertension, tachycardia, and acute pulmonary edema, with delayed treatment increasing mortality risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical course and treatment outcomes of scorpion envenoming in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of prazosin hydrochloride in managing scorpion sting complications.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 293 children treated for scorpion envenoming at a hospital in Mahad, Maharashtra.
  • Analysis of clinical symptoms, time to presentation, and outcomes following prazosin administration.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension (38%), tachycardia (29.6%), and acute pulmonary edema (24.5%) were common complications.
  • Delayed presentation (>24 hours) was associated with higher mortality (6%) due to multiorgan failure, loss of consciousness, and convulsions.
  • Early oral administration of prazosin (125-250 ug) improved clinical symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • The time between scorpion sting and prazosin administration is critical in determining morbidity and mortality.
  • Prazosin hydrochloride is an effective early intervention for managing scorpion envenoming in children.

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