Impact of scorpion stings on electrocardiographic changes and relationship with body oxidant and antioxidant status

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Scorpion stings are a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Cardiac complications following scorpion envenomation can range from mild electrocardiogram (ECG) changes to life-threatening arrhythmias.
• The role of oxidative stress in mediating these cardiac effects remains an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations in patients following scorpion stings.
• To explore the association between the oxidative stress index, and the body's oxidant/antioxidant system with ECG changes in scorpion sting victims.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 44 scorpion sting patients and 20 healthy controls.
• Electrocardiograms were recorded during the most painful phase of envenomation.
• Cardiac parameters were measured, and erythrocyte packages were analyzed for toxin/antioxidant levels.

Main Results:

• Fifty percent of the scorpion sting patients were male, with an average age of 45.22 years.
• Elevated cardiac parameters were observed in patients with scorpion stings (p < 0.05).
• No statistically significant differences were found in total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, or oxidative stress index between patients with and without ECG changes.

Conclusions:

• Scorpion stings are associated with electrocardiogram changes.
• The observed ECG alterations are not directly related to the body's oxidative stress index or oxidant/antioxidant capacity.
• Further research is warranted to investigate potential serious arrhythmias in scorpionism.