CLINICAL PROFILE OF SCORPION ENVENOMATION IN CHILDREN - ONE YEAR EXPERIENCE IN AN URBAN REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Scorpion envenomation is a common emergency in children. Objective- To study the clinical presentation, course, complications and outcome of scorpion sting envenomation in children. Methodology - Retrospective analysis of all the scorpion sting case sheets for one year. Case sheets were analyzed for history, clinical features, hourly vitals, investigations, treatment modalities and outcome. During the study period, 72 cases were admitted and treated with the following results. 30 percent were Class I, 53 percent were Class II and 17 percent were of Class III severity. Mortality rate was 3 percent. The common clinical symptoms noted were Pain at sting site, diaphoresis and restlessness. The common clinical signs were Cold extremities, Tachycardia and hypotension. In this study we noted male preponderance. 76 percent of cases received first dose of Prazosin within 8 hours. The common complications were Peripheral circulatory failure, myocarditis and congestive cardiac failure. Majority of cases had reversal of autonomic storm within 24 hours of treatment. Conclusion - Lesser sting- prazosin interval the outcome was better. Longer the sting-prazosin interval the outcome was poor. If antiscorpion venom is available complications and mortality can be reduced. Education of grass root Health care workers in all primary health centres and Govt. Hospitals about scorpion sting and its need for early treatment with prazosin will reduce Mortality due to scorpion sting.