Scorpion sting envenomation presenting with pulmonary edema in adults: a report of seven cases from Nepal.

ABSTRACT

Scorpion sting is a common problem in villages of Eastern Nepal. The life-threatening complications of myocarditis and pulmonary edema is known in red scorpion in India but not reported in Nepal. This condition requires urgent attention and ICU care from few hours to days. Delay in recognition and the hypoxemia increase the morbidity and mortality. Illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, traditional faith healers trying treatment in remote areas, lack of transport in difficult terrains and the non availability of ventilation facility in nearby hospital, add to delay in appropriate treatment. Seven young adult patients admitted in a span of two years with history of scorpion sting presenting with pulmonary edema required ICU care. They were successfully managed with the positive pressure ventilation with PEEP, cardiac support with inotropes and fluid balance. Magnitude of problem, clinical presentation and management done is emphasized.