Cardiovascular manifestations of severe scorpion sting in India (review of 34 children)

Summary

Scorpion sting in children is a hazardous and potentially fatal condition. Of 34 children admitted to hospital in Mahad, Maharashtra State, India following scorpion sting, 14 had hypertension (130/90–170/130 mmHg), five had myocardial failure, acute pulmonary oedema developed in nine, two had tachycardia (110–200/min) and four died. Analysis of data suggests that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality depend upon the time lapse between sting and administration of vasodilators. Current management of human scorpionism consists of early admission to hospital and immediate reduction of raised blood pressure with sublingual nifedipine while peripheral action of venom is antagonized by the post-synaptic alpha blocker prazosin; in addition, digoxin, frusemide, aminophylline and oxygen are administered. The patient is kept under close surveillance in an intensive care unit. Massive life-threatening pulmonary oedema is treated with a sodium nitroprusside drip. We suggest that aggressive medical management directed at the organ system specifically affected by scorpion venom can be effective.