Symptom patterns in adult patients stung by scorpions with emphasis on coagulopathy and hemoglubinuria

Rahmani AH (1), Jalali A (2)

(1) Department of Clinical Toxicology, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine and Toxicology Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; (2) Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Toxicology Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract: The aim of this retrospective descriptive study was to highlight clinical manifestations 24-48 hours following referral of adult patients stung by scorpions. This study contains clinical records of 290 patients admitted to Razi Hospital due to scorpion stings in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province from 2004 to 2005. The most prevalent patient age range was 15-20 years (30.3%). The most common sting location (41.3%) was the upper extremity; nearly half (49.6%) had been admitted within 6-24 hours following sting, while a large majority (85.5%) were hospitalized for 24-48 hours. A total of 116 (40%) patients presented hemoglobinuria. Contrary to available prior reports, the symptoms in none of the patients were accompanied by neurological manifestations. Kidney manifestations (BUN, creatinine), coagulopathy and transfusion were observed in patients with blood cell lysis and hemoglobinuria. The kidney problems were seen more in patients who had been admitted more than 24 hours after the accident. Overall, the findings demonstrate that coagulation and hemoglobinuria signs produced by scorpion sting in Ahvaz differ significantly from those reported elsewhere.

Key words: scorpion, stings, signs and symptoms, coagulopathy, hemoglobinuria.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the staff of Razi hospital for their help in carrying out the study. This study was supported by the of Jundishapur University.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2012

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: December 20, 2012.

Accepted: April 5, 2012.

Abstract published online: April 5, 2012.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2012.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

The Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran provided the financial grants.

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL

The present study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (Ref. n. IA/1630).

CORRESPONDENCE TO

Amir Jalali, Golestan Road, School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Phone: +98 611 3738380. Fax: +98 611 3738381. Email: amjalali@hotmail.com.