Scorpion sting: a management problem

Admissions for scorpion sting in 1 year and deaths resulting from scorpion sting over 3 years were analysed. Features that indicated the severity of the clinical condition were identified. Pulmonary oedema and shock were the usual causes of death. Poor management of fluid therapy was responsible for the frequently unsatisfactory resolution of envenoming, especially when purified human plasma was used. The role of the scorpion antivenom used is questioned and controversy regarding the most appropriate sedative to use in the management of scorpion sting is still not resolved. An in-depth study of these management issues is urgently required.