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Published on: April 13, 2011
Scorpion sting in children. A review of 51 cases
Insights
Scorpion stings in children can be severe and fatal. Delayed hospital treatment for severe scorpion envenomation in children correlates with worse outcomes, emphasizing prompt medical care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Scorpion stings pose a significant health risk to children, with potential for severe envenomation and mortality.
- Pediatric scorpion envenomation requires prompt recognition and management to mitigate life-threatening complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the outcomes of scorpion stings in pediatric patients.
- To identify factors associated with severe envenomation and mortality in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 51 pediatric patients admitted for scorpion stings over a 5-year period.
- Comparison of time to hospital admission between patients with mild-to-moderate and severe envenomation symptoms.
Main Results:
- Fifteen percent (29.4%) of pediatric patients experienced severe systemic signs of envenomation.
- Two pediatric patients (3.9%) died due to scorpion stings.
- Patients with severe toxicity had a significantly longer delay in seeking hospital treatment.
Conclusions:
- Delayed medical attention is linked to severe outcomes in pediatric scorpion stings.
- Prompt management, including antivenom and intensive care, is crucial for treating severe pediatric scorpion envenomation.
- Early intervention in pediatric scorpion sting cases can prevent fatal complications like cardiac and respiratory failure.
Abstract:
Scorpion sting in children is a hazardous and potentially lethal condition. Fifty-one infants and children were admitted to the Pediatric Departments at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospitals in Jerusalem, during a 5-year period, following scorpion sting. Fifteen (29.4%) had severe systemic signs of envenomation and two (3.9%) died. Analysis of our data showed that patients with severe toxicity were brought to the hospital after a significantly longer time lapse than were the patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms. The current management of children with scorpion envenomation consists of administration of specific antivenom and close surveillance in an intensive care unit, where vital signs and continuous cardiac monitoring enable early initiation of therapy for life-threatening complications, such as cardiac and respiratory failure, convulsions, or hypertension.
