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Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Scorpion Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production
05:27

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Scorpion Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production

Published on: October 6, 2023

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Risk factors for fatal scorpion envenoming among Brazilian children: a case-control study

Ana Caroline C Almeida1, Fernando M Carvalho2, Yukari F Mise1

  • 1Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Basílio da Gama, s/n, Salvador, 40110-040, Brazil.

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|August 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Fatal scorpion envenoming in Brazilian children is linked to young age, rural settings, and delayed or improper antivenom treatment. Early and correct scorpion antivenom (SAV) administration significantly improves survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Entomology
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Scorpion envenoming is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • It poses a potentially fatal risk, particularly to children.
  • Identifying risk factors for fatal outcomes is crucial for prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific risk factors associated with fatal scorpion envenoming in Brazilian children.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of scorpion antivenom (SAV) in preventing mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed.
  • Data included fatal scorpion envenoming cases and survivors up to 10 years old, reported to the Brazilian Diseases Surveillance System (2007-2016).
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors and treatment effectiveness.

Main Results:

  • Younger age (≤5 years), rural location, and delayed treatment (≥3 hours) were identified as significant risk factors for fatal outcomes.
  • Inadequate scorpion antivenom (SAV) administration, including incorrect dosage or use of non-SAV antivenom, increased mortality risk.
  • Early SAV administration (<3 hours) and appropriate dosage demonstrated high effectiveness (63%) in preventing death.

Conclusions:

  • Fatal scorpion envenoming in children is strongly associated with younger age, rural incidents, delayed treatment, and suboptimal antivenom management.
  • Timely and appropriate administration of scorpion antivenom (SAV) is critical for improving survival rates in pediatric scorpion envenoming cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
childfatal outcomeinfantrisk factorsscorpion stings

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