Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Scorpion Sting in a Tertiary Care Centre in South Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Venomous scorpion sting is a medicalemergency. The clinical manifestations vary widely betweenthe children and adult group. Current research aimed to studythe epidemiological profile of Scorpion Stings and to study theclinical profile and prevalence of complications of Scorpionstings.Material and methods: 82 cases of Scorpion sting admittedin Toxicology unit of Tirunelveli Medical College werestudied. Detailed history was taken, and a thorough clinicalexamination was done in all patients. All patients were givenPrazosin except in cases with hypotension.Results:Scorpion sting was more common in monsoonfollowed by Summer season. The sting was more prevalent inthe lower limb. Commonest symptom was pain followed bynumbness and tingling. Dyspnea and perspiration were lesscommon. 60.9% had grade1 envenomation followed by 25.7%patients with grade 2 envenomation. Severe envenomationwas less common. Tachycardia was frequently noted (62.2%)whereas only 3 patients developed pulmonary edema. Allpatients recovered well, and there was nil mortality.Conclusion:Prazosin had good outcome in all patients withscorpion sting. The study throws light on the common clinicalfeatures and complications of scorpion sting.