An Epidemiologic and Clinical Study on Hemiscorpius lepturus (gadim) Envenomation with Focus on Clinical Manifestations, Prognosis Factors, and Outcomes

Background: Hemiscorpius lepturus envenomation is one of the most important medical issues in tropical regions of Iran, especially Khuzestan Province. Due to lack of reliable data about scorpion sting in Khuzestan Province, this investigation was performed to study the clinical presentation, prognosis factors, complications and mortality rates of Hemiscorpius lepturus sting. Methods: this study was a cross-sectional study performed at Sina Hospital, Karoon, Iran during 2011-2013. Required data such as demographic data, complications and outcomes were collected from medical records of all admitted victims of envenomation in this period and then were registered in a propriate checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: a total of 311 victims were studied. The highest frequency of sting was in the age range of 15-24 years. Most areas of the sting were the lower extremity. Forty-two patients delayed more than 24 hours to refer to the emergency room. The most common initial symptom in victims was pain in the sting location. Complications such as hematuria, hemoglobinuria, and coagulation disorders were most morbidity occurred in patients. 6 cases died. Conclusion: delay in referring to the hospital, the existence of hemoglobinuria, coagulation disorders and kidney failure were associated with poor prognosis in patients. It seems that patients who refer with delays and with symptoms such as hematuria, need for more medical health care.