Clinical presentation, management and outcome of scorpion sting in pediatric age group of 1-15 years in Kassala State, Sudan.

Abstract

Scorpions are venomous arthropods with approximately 100 scorpion species worldwide. Scorpion stings (SSs) primarily occur due to accidental contact and are more common in children. SS resulting in envenomation is a life-threatening emergency and causes serious health problems in tropical and subtropical regions. Medically significant scorpion envenomation (SE) is almost always associated with intense localized pain. Systemic effects may occur in fewer cases. The severity of SE is classified as minor, moderate or severe, and treatment strategies are based on this grading. Deaths are usually due to cardiogenic shock and pulmonary oedema. This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional and hospital-based study aiming for the clinical presentation and outcome of SS among children aged 1-15 years in Kassala Teaching and Specialized Hospital, Sudan. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 27.0. A total of 76 children were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The Majority of stings occurred in children aged 1-5 years (42.1%) and in rural areas (75%). The most common symptom was pain at the sting site (84.2%), hyperemia (85.5%) and sweating (53.9%). The lower extremities were the most frequent sites of envenomation, in 46.1%. Stings were predominantly reported at night, in 63.2%. The clinical outcomes were graded, with most of cases classified as minor (Grade I, 44.7%). Two-thirds of children (65.8%) fully recovered. The mortality rate was 14.5%. Causes of death were cardiogenic shock, seizures, respiratory failure and multiorgan failure. Delayed presentation and severe systemic manifestations contribute to increased mortality risk.