Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Optimizing Scorpion Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production
Published on: October 6, 2023
Evaluation of Scorpion Stings in Children
Mehmet Emin Parlak1, Erdoğan Öz2, Osman Küçükkelepçe2
1Department of Child Health and Diseases, Adıyaman Training and Research Hospital, Adıyaman, Türkiye.
Insights
Scorpion stings pose a public health risk, especially for children. Stings on the head, neck, or upper extremities are linked to higher lactate dehydrogenase levels and worse outcomes in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Scorpion stings are a significant global health concern.
- Children face elevated risks for severe complications from scorpion envenoming, including cardiac, respiratory, and neurological issues.
- Buthidae family scorpions are frequently implicated in severe envenoming cases in Turkey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of scorpion stings in pediatric patients in Turkey.
- To identify factors associated with severe envenoming in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective-descriptive study was conducted in Turkey.
- Data from 78 children (aged 0-18 years) admitted to Kahta State Hospital between December 2017 and December 2020 were analyzed.
- Patient demographics, clinical data, and laboratory results were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Most patients (75.6%) were older than six years.
- Alpha blocker and antivenom were administered to 12.8% and 43.6% of patients, respectively.
- Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were significantly associated with stings on the head, neck, and upper extremities compared to lower extremities (P=0.014).
Conclusions:
- Elevated leukocytes, aspartate transaminase, and LDH correlate with poorer outcomes.
- Scorpion stings to the head, neck, and upper extremities are associated with increased severity.
- Findings support tailored treatment strategies for pediatric scorpion stings, warranting further multi-regional studies.
Introduction:
Scorpion stings are a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Children are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from scorpion envenoming, including cardiac, respiratory, and neurologic complications. In Turkey, members of the Buthidae family are the most common culprits in severe envenoming events.
Methods:
This retrospective-descriptive study was conducted in Turkey. Children aged 0 to 18 y admitted to the emergency department of Kahta State Hospital between December 2017 and December 2020 were included in the study. Patient information was reviewed, and 78 patients with complete demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were included in the study.
Results:
Out of the 78 patients, 24.4% were six years old or younger while the 75.6% were older than six years. Alpha blocker was given to 12.8% of the patients, and antivenom was given to 43.6% of the patients. Of the 78 patients, 71.8% were followed up in the emergency department, 21.8% were followed up in the inpatient unit, and 6.4% were followed up in the intensive care unit. Two patients (2.6%) died within 1 month. There was a significant difference regarding lactate dehydrogenase value according to the sting site (P=0.014). Lactate dehydrogenase values of patients stung on the head and neck and upper extremity were higher than those of patients bitten on lower extremities.
Conclusions:
Elevated levels of specific laboratory parameters, such as leukocytes, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase, are linked to worse outcomes. Additionally, stings on the head, neck, and upper extremities are more strongly associated with severity. These findings guide tailored treatment strategies for scorpion stings, with the potential for further refinement through broader studies across diverse regions and populations.
