Serum electrolyte changes in pediatric patients stung by scorpions

ABSTRACT

Scorpion sting is a health problem in some places of Mexico. The clinical manifestations of scorpion envenomation are variable and include metabolic alterations. Hyperkalemia is the most frequently reported metabolic alteration. We conducted a prospective, observational, descriptive and transversal study in an emergency room at Hospital del Niño Morelense, Mexico. Eighty-two patients were included and classified as mild (17 percent) moderate (33 percent) and severe (46 percent). The mean serum level of sodium was 146.4meq/l, standard deviation (SD) 5.58; potassium 3.86meq/l, SD 0.53, and calcium 9.55mg/dl, SD 0.76. We found 30.4 percent hypernatremia, 12 percent hypokalemia, 10.9 percent abdominal distension, and 14.6 percent visual alterations.