Severe bark scorpion envenomation in adults^*

Abstract

Introduction: The preponderance of medical literature regarding severe bark scorpion envenomation describes pediatric patients; however, the majority (>66%) of annual poison center calls pertain to adults. This retrospective review sought to evaluate the clinical manifestations of adults with severe Centruroides sculpturatus envenomation and determine if significant morbidity occurred.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of adults presenting to a single tertiary referral center with Grade-III or Grade-IV scorpion envenomation from 1 January 2007 to 3 March 2013. The primary objective is to describe clinical findings, treatment strategies, complications and short-term outcomes.

Results: Thirty-three patients were included; 61% were female (20/33), average age was 40.7 (19–81) years. The average time to healthcare facility was 142 (14–720) minutes. The most common signs and symptoms of envenomation were: pain/paresthesias 94%, opsoclonus 82%, excessive motor activity 76%, visual disturbance 76%. Benzodiazepines 85% (29/33) and opioids 83% (28/33) were the most frequently used agents to control envenomation. Cardiac evaluation was performed in 24% of patients, 6% were pregnant and underwent fetal monitoring, 6% were intubated and 3% developed rhabdomyolysis. Average length of stay (LOS) was 28.3 (1.5–307) hours; 58% (19/33) required hospital admission. Four patients had LOS >48 h, with pre-existing cardiac disease, substance misuse disorder, acute ethanol withdrawal and medical errors identified as factors contributing to prolonged LOS.

Conclusions: Bark scorpion envenomation in adults may be severe, necessitating medical intervention and hospital admission. Comorbid conditions and complications arising from treatment may contribute to prolonged LOS.

Keywords:

• Scorpion envenomation
• centruroides sculpturatus
• length of stay
• complications

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

* The results of this study were presented in abstract form as a poster during the 2014 ACMT Annual Scientific Meeting.

Additional information

Funding

Support of the Viper Institute through an ABRC [grant ASHS13-031278] is greatly appreciated.