Scorpion venom cardiomyopathy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Toxicology
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Scorpion stings are a significant health concern in children, potentially leading to cardiac complications.
• Myocardial dysfunction following scorpion envenomation requires thorough investigation and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cardiac function in children with scorpion stings using serial echocardiography.
• To identify echocardiographic predictors of myocardial toxicity and prognosis in pediatric scorpion sting cases.

Main Methods:

• Serial echocardiography was performed on 30 children with scorpion stings.
• Children were categorized into two groups based on initial left ventricular function: normal and compromised.
• Ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, and interventricular septal thickening fraction were assessed.

Main Results:

• 12 children (group 2) presented with compromised left ventricular function (EF < 0.55, FS < 27%).
• Group 2 showed increased left ventricular end-systolic dimension and depressed interventricular septal thickening fraction compared to group 1.
• Nine children in group 2 improved within 24-48 hours; one child died, and another showed slow recovery.

Conclusions:

• Myocardial toxicity is a frequent and severe complication of scorpion stings in children, predominantly affecting systolic function.
• Serial echocardiography is valuable for tracking left ventricular function changes and clinical recovery.
• Children with persistent cardiac dysfunction beyond 48 hours need close monitoring due to higher risk.