A Relationship Between Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics in Children With Severe Scorpion Envenomation in Cukurova, Turkey

Objective Scorpion stings are an important health problem in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine cases of scorpion stings to evaluate their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features and to determine strategies that can reduce morbidity and mortality in these cases. Methods Scorpion stings experienced by children between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were categorized into groups based on severities of toxicities, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory features were compared between the groups. Results The mean SD age of the 189 patients with scorpion stings was 83.43 +/- 59.62 months. There was a significant difference between the clinical stages and the age distribution of the cases (P < 0.05). White blood cell counts differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.05). There was not a significant difference in mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width between the groups, but plateletcrit and low platelet count were significantly different between stage 1 and stage 3 cases (P < 0.05). Glucose, creatinine kinase-myoglobin binding, and troponin I were also significantly different (P < 0.05). The mortality rate was 0%. Conclusions People living in regions where scorpion stings are frequent should be informed about preventive measures against these stings, cases of scorpion stings should be monitored in appropriate centers, and staff offering care to these cases should be educated about treatment methods. In addition, treatment protocols should be determined in accordance with regions where the stings occur and studies should be performed to describe prognostic indicators.