Epidemiology of Scorpion Stings in Pediatrics: A ۱۰-year Review in Qom Province, Iran

Background and Aim: Scorpionism is a serious health issue in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the different aspects of scorpion stings in children. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on children with scorpion sting referred to a children’s referral hospital in Qom province, Iran, during a ۱۰-year period from ۲۰۱۱ to ۲۰۲۰. Study variables, including age, gender, stung region of body, season of stinging, geographic location of stinging (rural or urban areas), scorpion species, antivenin administration, complications and adverse reactions were obtained from medical records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version ۲۲. Results: A total of ۱۲۱ victims were identified (۶۴.۴۶% male, mean age: ۶.۰۲±۳.۱۷, age range: ۷ days to ۱۴ years). Most incidents involved yellow scorpions (۵۵.۷%), occurred in the summer (۶۲%), and took place in rural areas (۵۷.۸۵%). The most affected body site was the hand (۴۵%). A total of ۵۶.۱% were treated with antivenins, and ۶۳.۳۳% had mild symptoms. Only ۰.۳% were admitted to the ICU and no deaths occurred. Conclusion: Most of the patients exhibited mild symptoms. Antivenin administration can be limited to patients with moderate to severe symptoms. Further studies among Iranian children are recommended.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antivenins ، Scorpion sting ، Pediatrics