Clinical patterns of scorpion stings at El-Quawayah General Hospital, Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia

Objective. To study the clinical symptoms and signs of scorpion venom sting. Design: Between May and October 1993, 48 cases of scorpion stings were seen. The following data were recorded for each patient: age, sex, nationality, time and site of sting, type of scorpion and physical examination. Setting: El-Quawayah General Hospital, Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Subjects: This study involved 26 males and 22 females; 20 of the patients were children. Main outcome measures: The following investigations were done for every patient: leucocyte count, serum creatinine, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alanine aminotransferase and serum lactate dehydrogenase. Results: The scorpions encountered as mentioned by the patients were 27 yellow scorpions (Leiurus quinquestriatus), 19 black scorpions (Androctonus crassicauda), and two unknown. Thirty-eight (79.1%) stings occurred between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The lower extremity was the most common sting site. Local pain was the most common symptom while tachycardia was the most common sign encountered. Forty-three (89.5%) patients were given scorpion antivenom. Conclusion: Scorpion stings are not always safe. They are associated with manifestations of envenoming which include: severe local pain, tachycardia, vomiting, hypertension, pulmonary oedema and priapism and these manifestations are more commonly seen in children than adults. The mortality rate among children was 10%.