Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Scorpion Envenomation in the Aegean Region: An Experience of a Training and Research Hospital

Evaluation of Scorpion Stings in Children

INTRODUCTION

Scorpion stings are a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Children are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from scorpion envenoming, including cardiac, respiratory, and neurologic complications. In Turkey, members of the Buthidae family are the most common culprits in severe envenoming events.

METHODS

This retrospective-descriptive study was conducted in Turkey. Children aged 0 to 18 y admitted to the emergency department of Kahta State Hospital between December 2017 and December 2020 were included in the study. Patient information was reviewed, and 78 patients with complete demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were included in the study.

RESULTS

Out of the 78 patients, 24.4% were six years old or younger while the 75.6% were older than six years. Alpha blocker was given to 12.8% of the patients, and antivenom was given to 43.6% of the patients. Of the 78 patients, 71.8% were followed up in the emergency department, 21.8% were followed up in the inpatient unit, and 6.4% were followed up in the intensive care unit. Two patients (2.6%) died within 1 month. There was a significant difference regarding lactate dehydrogenase value according to the sting site (P=0.014). Lactate dehydrogenase values of patients stung on the head and neck and upper extremity were higher than those of patients bitten on lower extremities.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated levels of specific laboratory parameters, such as leukocytes, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase, are linked to worse outcomes. Additionally, stings on the head, neck, and upper extremities are more strongly associated with severity. These findings guide tailored treatment strategies for scorpion stings, with the potential for further refinement through broader studies across diverse regions and populations.

The lethality, histological, haematological and biochemical alterations in mice envenomated with Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus venom

There is currently no data regarding the toxicity or the in vivo effects of the venom the Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus species, since it has not been studied thus far according to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, and for the first time, the median lethal dose, the in vivo toxic effects, the histological changes in some of the vital organs were all determined as well as an assessment was made of the histological, biochemical and haematological changes which were caused by the venom injected in mice. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the scorpion venom for mice was found to be 0.38 mg/kg in terms of body weight. The results of the study show that the A. nigrocintus is a potentially lethal scorpion. The evidence related to the venom indicated that it could cause tissue injury in some vital organs. In conclusion, this scorpion venom could cause significant medical complications, and may lead to death, regarding at-risk patients. Therefore, health professionals should be aware of the various scorpion species in their regions and should follow current medical approaches concerning scorpion envenomation.