Scorpion envenomation :An experience with children at rabigh general hospital,KSA

Objectives: to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scorpion envenomation in children. materials and methods: it was an observational descriptive study for children 11 yrs of age or younger,was carried out,who presented or reffered to emergency department at rabigh general hospital due to documented scorpion stings from february 2007 to july 2011. results: a total of 41 cases of scorpion envenomation were observed during the study time period. the mean age was 5.4 years ranging from 9 months to 11 years. male patients were 22 (53.6%). the peak frequency of scorpion stings was observed in the month of june.most of the stings were on exposed parts of the limbs mainly lower limbs in 30 patients (73%). local signs (redness & swelling) and pain were the most common clinical manifestations seen in 61% of patients. most common systemic manifestations were restlessness and irritability (31.7%) followed by vomiting (26.8%) and cold extremities (19.5%). all our patients received scorpion antivenom according to guidelines of ministry of health saudia arabia. one child died while others were discharged within three days of post admission. conclusion: although most of scorpion envenomations in children have a good prognosis,severe complications and death may occur.