A randomized comparative study between intravenous and intramuscular scorpion antivenom regimens in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Toxicology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Scorpion envenomation is a critical health issue in Upper Egypt, especially for children.
• It frequently leads to life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous versus intramuscular scorpion antivenom administration in pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the impact of antivenom administration route on clinical outcomes and resource utilization.

Main Methods:

• A randomized comparative trial involving 100 pediatric patients (<18 years) with scorpion stings.
• Patients were assigned to receive scorpion antivenom either intramuscularly or intravenously (50 patients per group).
• Data collected included medical history, clinical examination, baseline investigations, and outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Intravenous antivenom significantly reduced rates of myocarditis, encephalopathy, cardiogenic shock, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
• Fewer patients receiving intravenous antivenom required mechanical ventilation, and they had a shorter hospital stay.
• Mortality was significantly lower in the intravenous antivenom group.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous administration of scorpion antivenom is superior to the intramuscular route in pediatric patients.
• The intravenous route leads to a lower incidence of systemic toxicity and fatal complications like cardiogenic shock.
• This approach decreases the need for ICU resources and mechanical ventilation, resulting in improved patient outcomes and shorter hospital stays.