A STUDY ON THE CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF CHILDREN WITH SCORPION STING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL JHALAWAR, RAJASTHAN

Abstract

Background: Scorpion sting envenomation is a life threatening emergency in tropical and subtropical countries with a potential of severe and often fatal clinical manifestations among children.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in Jhalawar (Rajasthan) over a period from 1 April 2019 to 30 Sept. 2019. Total 26 children admitted with a history of scorpion sting were included in this study. 

Results: With regard to severity, 7 (26.92%), 15 (57.69%), and 4 (15.38%) patients were classified into classes I, II and III, respectively. The duration of hospitalization ranged from 1 to 5 days with mean hospitalization stay of 2.36 ±1.2 days. The duration was longer in younger children and the patients who reported to the hospital very late.  All patients were discharged after complete recovery.

Conclusion: Scorpion sting envenomation is a common medical emergency among children. It is common in rural areas and among boys. The site of sting was predominantly in the lower limbs and during nights of summer season.

Keywords: Scorpion sting, Children, Rural.