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A retrospective study on scorpion sting in a pediatric age group in a hospital in Calcutta
B Bhattacharyya1, D C Das, H Mukherjee
1NRS Medical College, Calcutta.
Insights
Scorpion stings in children aged 1-6 years resulted in an 11.8% mortality rate in Calcutta. Key symptoms included circulatory failure and breathlessness, with stings peaking in warmer months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric toxicology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Scorpion stings pose a significant health risk to children, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of scorpion stings is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of scorpion stings in young children.
- To identify seasonal patterns and risk factors associated with pediatric scorpion envenomation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 152 children (1-6 years) admitted with scorpion stings between 1985-1989.
- Data collection on sting location, clinical presentation, and mortality.
Main Results:
- An overall mortality rate of 11.8% (18 deaths) was observed.
- Common clinical features included circulatory failure, breathlessness, sweating, vomiting, local edema, and convulsions.
- Fingers were the most frequent site of stings.
- Sting incidence was higher during summer and rainy seasons compared to winter.
Conclusions:
- Scorpion stings represent a serious threat to children, necessitating prompt medical attention.
- Clinical monitoring for cardiorespiratory compromise is essential.
- Public health awareness regarding seasonal sting risks may aid prevention efforts.
Abstract:
During 1985-1989, in Calcutta Medical College Hospitals, of 152 children of 1-6 year age group admitted with the history of scorpion sting 18 (11.8%) died. Maximum numbers of stings were inflicted in the fingers. Important clinical features recorded were circulatory failure, breathlessness, profuse sweating, vomiting, local oedema and convulsion. Incidences of scorpion stings were much more frequent in the summer and rainy seasons than in the winter season.
