[Scorpion stings in children. Saudi Arabian experience]

Scorpion stings are a major public health problem in Saudi Arabia. The main victims are children who accidentally tread on a scorpion, about 900 children being admitted to hospitals each summer for such stings. Many cases are fatal. The pathophysiology of scorpion stings is complex and its management is difficult. Almost all body systems are affected but circulatory shock and pulmonary oedema are the usual cause of death. The treatment is based on scorpion antivenom and symptomatic treatment of the envenoming manifestations in an intensive care unit. The currently used antivenom is a polyvalent horse serum preparation given intravenously.