Clinical patterns of scorpions stings at El-Quawayah general hospital, Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To study the clinical symptoms and signs of scorpion venom sting. Between May and October 1993, 48 cases of scorpion stings were seen. The following data were recorded for each patient age, sex, nationality, time and site of sting, type of scorpion and physical examination. EI-Quawayah General Hospital, Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. This study involved 26 males and 22 females; 20 of the patients were children. Main outcome measures: The following investigations were done for every patient leucocyte count, serum creatinine, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alanine aminotransferase and serum lactate dehydrogenase. The scorpions encountered as mentioned by the patients were 27 yellow scorpions [Leiurus quinquestriatus], 19 black scorpions [Androctonus crassicauda], and two unknown. Thirty-eight [79.1%] stings occurred between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The lower extremity was the most common sting site. Local pain was the most common symptom while tachycardia was the most common sign encountered. Forty-three [89.5%] patients were given scorpion antivenom. Scorpion stings are not always safe. They are associated with manifestations of envenoming which include severe local pain, tachycardia, vomiting, hypertension, pulmonary oedema and priapism and these manifestations are more commonly seen in children than adults. The mortality rate among children was 10%