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Turk J Pediatr 2020 ;62(3):394-404

Divisions of Pediatric Emergency, Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.

Background And Objectives: Most cases of severe scorpion envenomation occur in children and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Excessive systemic inflammatory response, which leads to multiple organ involvement, is an emerging challenge during severe envenomation. The aim of this study was to investigate if there was any relationship between initial hematological parameters and severe envenomation in pediatric patients presenting with scorpion envenomation. Read More

Toxicon X 2020 Jun 5;6:100038. Epub 2020 May 5.

CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.

Scorpion and spider envenomation is treated with the appropriate antivenoms, prepared as described by Césaire Auguste Phisalix and Albert Calmette in 1894. Such treatment requires the acquisition and manipulation of arachnid venoms, both very complicated procedures. Most of the toxins in the venoms of spiders and scorpions are extremely stable cysteine-rich peptide neurotoxins. Read More

Arch Toxicol 2020 Jun 16. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Systemic scorpion envenomation is characterized by massive neurotransmitter release from peripheral nerves mediated primarily by scorpion venoms neurotoxins. Tityus bahiensis is one of the medically most important species in Brazil, but its venom pharmacology, especially regarding to peripheral nervous system, is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the T. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2020 Jun 12;12(6). Epub 2020 Jun 12.

USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology; BP 32 El-Alia, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algiers, Algeria.

Elevated levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were recorded in sera of scorpion sting patients. However, no studies focused on the mechanism of ET-1 involvement in the pathogenesis of scorpion envenomation, particularly in the cardiovascular system which is seriously affected in severe cases of scorpion stings. Inflammation induced by () scorpion venom in the heart together with the aorta was studied in mice pretreated with a specific A ETA-R) inhibitor. Read More

Auton Neurosci 2020 May 19;227:102676. Epub 2020 May 19.

Unit of Mode of Toxin Action (MATx), Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address:

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in tropical and subtropical areas. In Brazil, Tityus serrulatus is the biggest cause of accidents with venomous animals. Tityus serrulatus venom causes symptoms related to a great activation of the autonomic system attributed to a massive release of sympathetic and parasympathetic mediators. Read More

Toxicon 2020 Aug 21;183:36-43. Epub 2020 May 21.

Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Treatment of scorpion envenomation is a challenging issue since serotherapy is implemented by administration of polyvalent equine antisera. In our previous study we discovered that recombinant phospholipase D1 (Hl-RecPLD1) is responsible for the lethality of Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) venom in mice. Read More

Toxicon 2020 Jul 16;182:54-58. Epub 2020 May 16.

Intensive Care Unit, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia; Intensive Care Unit, Cayenne General Hospital, French Guiana. Electronic address:

Scorpion envenoming is a frequent and deadly event in Tunisia. It is caused mainly by Androctonus australis and Buthus occitanus. Pulmonary edema and shock following scorpion envenoming are related to adrenergic cardiomyopathy, and are the main symptoms leading to death. Read More

J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020 Apr 30;26:e20190039. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

Background: Scorpionism is one of the most important health problems in tropical regions, which unfortunately results in thousands of deaths annually. Pregnant women are potential victims in areas with high scorpion-sting prevalence. Limited medical data are available on the effects of scorpion envenomation in pregnant women. Read More

Cien Saude Colet 2020 May 8;25(5):1967-1978. Epub 2020 May 8.

Centro de Educação e Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Saúde, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Cuité, PB, Brazil,

This report is an investigation of the epidemiological features of injuries with venomous animals in the Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2014. A total of 30,429 cases were analyzed. Cases were distributed over all months of the period studied and occurred mainly in urban areas. Read More

Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020 Sep 4;235:108787. Epub 2020 May 4.

USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department Cellular and Molecular Biology, BP32, EL Alia, Bab Ezzouar 16111, Algiers, Algeria. Electronic address:

Scorpion venom is a complex mixture of peptides and proteins, rich in toxins. Its toxicological effects are related to central disruptions and autonomic disturbances, organ failure, as well as an excessive systemic inflammatory response. Since the role of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is central in the neuroendocrine-immunological axis, the purpose of this study was, therefore, to examine the immunotoxic effect of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom on HPA-axis in synchronised-mice model. Read More

Wilderness Environ Med 2020 Jun 21;31(2):174-180. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Department of Medical Biology, Bégin Military Hospital, Saint-Mandé, France. Electronic address:

Introduction: Depending on their theatre of operation, French soldiers may potentially be exposed to scorpion stings and snakebites. Following the recommendations of a French military health service (FMHS) technical committee for envenomation, the FMHS provides antivenoms appropriate to each deployment. This work aimed to evaluate this risk of envenomation and to assess the antivenoms used by the FMHS in operational theatres since the creation of this committee in 2015. Read More

Biomolecules 2020 Apr 16;10(4). Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive molecules, but characterisation of toxin peptides affecting cytosolic Ca, central to cell signalling and cell death, is limited. We undertook a functional screening of the venom of the Australian scorpion to determine the breadth of Ca mobilisation. A human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line stably expressing the genetically encoded Ca reporter GCaMP5G and the rabbit type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) was developed as a biosensor. Read More

Molecules 2020 Apr 4;25(7). Epub 2020 Apr 4.

Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran P.O. Box 13169-43351, Iran.

which belongs to the Scorpionidae family, is the deadliest scorpion in Iran. It causes pathological manifestations like dermonecrosis, hemolysis, renal failure, necrotic ulcers, and in some cases, even death. The venom of this scorpion is well-known for its cytotoxic effects in comparison with the other venomous scorpions which show significant neurotoxic effects. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020 16;53:e20190285. Epub 2020 Mar 16.

Universidade Federal do Pará, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Belém, PA, Brasil.

This reports a case of scorpionism caused by Tityus serrulatus. A male adult was stung while unloading bananas at the supply center in Belém, Pará, Brazil. The bananas originated in another state (Bahia) and were brought to Belém by truck. Read More

Toxicon 2020 May 3;179:42-52. Epub 2020 Mar 3.

Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Avenue General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil. Electronic address:

Scorpionism represents a serious public health problem due to its increasing incidence. In Brazil, Tityus serrulatus is a species of major medical importance, especially in children and the elderly, as envenomation may induce serious acute pulmonary edema. "Mangaba" (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) fruit juice is popularly used in the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. Read More

Cien Saude Colet 2020 Mar 29;25(3):869-878. Epub 2018 Jun 29.

Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia. R. Hormindo Barros 58, Candeias. 45029-094, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brasil.

This study aims to characterize the epidemiological profile of victims of scorpion and snakebite envenomations and to evaluate the adequacy of antivenom sera prescriptions. This is a cross-sectional study whose data sources were the envenomation notification information sheets of the Notifiable Diseases Information System in the city of Vitória da Conquista (BA), Brazil. We included information on scorpion or snakebite envenomations attended in the municipality in the period between July 2016 and June 2017. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2020 Mar 5;12(3). Epub 2020 Mar 5.

Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil.

causes numerous scorpion envenomation accidents and deaths worldwide. The symptoms vary from local to systemic manifestations, culminating in pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. Among these events, transitory hyperglycemia is a severe manifestation that influences pulmonary edema, hemodynamic alterations, and cardiac disturbances. Read More

Iran J Basic Med Sci 2019 Dec;22(12):1440-1444

Department of Pharmacology, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.

Objectives: In this study, the neutralizing abilities of the equine and the recently introduced camelid antivenoms on the hemodynamic parameters (inotropism, chronotropism, and arrhythmogenicity) were assessed following envenomation by venom in rats.

Materials And Methods: At first, the electrophoretic profiles of both products were obtained by using the SDS-PAGE method (12.5%) and stained with Coomassie blue and silver nitrate. Read More

Intensive Care Med 2020 03 3;46(3):401-410. Epub 2020 Mar 3.

Research Lab, Cardiopulmonary Research in Intensive Care and Toxicology, LR12SP15, Monastir, Tunisia.

Scorpion envenomation is common in the tropical and subtropical regions. It poses a major public health problem with some patients having serious clinical manifestations and severe complications including death. Old World and New World scorpions are usually contrasted because of differences in venom composition, clinical presentation and severity, and, accordingly, different therapeutic approaches. Read More

Toxicon 2020 Jan 27;174:57-63. Epub 2019 Dec 27.

Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Hemiscorpius lepturus envenomation induces acute kidney injury (AKI) through hemoglubinoria and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria supports ATP production to promote the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance. Mitochondrial homeostasis in different metabolic environments can be adjusted by overexpression of PGC-1α. Read More

Med Sante Trop 2019 Nov;29(4):447-448

Hôpital militaire Avicenne, Faculté de médecine, 40000 MarrakechMaroc.

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in several countries in the tropics and subtropics, with high mortality in the severe forms involving multiple organ failure. The correlation between young age and clinical manifestations of severe scorpion envenomation is well established. We report the case of a 3-month-old infant admitted for severe scorpion envenomation who rapidly developed fatal multiple organ failure, and we discuss the different physiopathological aspects of severe scorpion envenomation. Read More

Cutis 2019 Oct;104(4):217-219

Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.

Worldwide, there are more than 3250 deaths a year related to scorpion stings. With the increasing popularity of exotic and dangerous pets, American physicians are more likely to see exotic scorpion envenomations. Although adults are stung more often, children experience more severe envenomation. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Dec 1;171:7-19. Epub 2019 Oct 1.

Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.

In this study, we characterize the venom of Centruroides edwardsii, one of the most abundant scorpions in urban and rural areas of Costa Rica, in terms of its biochemical constituents and their biological activities. C. edwardsii venom is rich in peptides but also contains some higher molecular weight protein components. Read More

J Emerg Med 2019 Oct 26;57(4):554-559. Epub 2019 Sep 26.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown Public Hospital, Georgetown, Guyana.

Background: More than 1500 scorpion species exist worldwide, with a few scorpion species potentially lethal to humans. About 1 million stings annually result in >3000 deaths, but the incidence and mortality vary greatly by species and location. Physicians working internationally must recognize that resulting toxidromes vary significantly by region. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Dec 26;170:94-98. Epub 2019 Sep 26.

Universidad de Caldas, Colombia; Centro de Especialistas Veterinarios Mascotas, Manizales, Colombia. Electronic address:

The present study analyzes cases of scorpionism in 11 dogs and a cat that were registered at a veterinary clinic in the city of Manizales, between 2009 and 2018. All eight cases where expert identification of the arthropod was possible, involved Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804). None of the stings were lethal, though two cases were classified as severe envenomation and five moderate. Read More

Diving Hyperb Med 2019 Sep;49(3):225-228

Department of Anaesthetics, St George's Hospital, London, UK.

Introduction: Between 40,000 and 50,000 divers and swimmers are envenomated each year and diving as a hobby is becoming increasingly popular. In the Mediterranean, envenomation is most often by Weever fish, Scorpion fish and jellyfish but coral and sea urchins may also be venomous.

Envenomation: Most stings cause local inflammation, oedema and pain. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2019 12;33:108. Epub 2019 Jun 12.

Service de Pédiatrie Générale, CHU Hédi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisie.

Home accidents are a serious public health problem in Pediatrics. They are responsible for heavy morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population. We conducted a retrospective study of 231 cases of domestic accidents in childhood in the Division of General Pediatrics at the Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax over a period of 5 years (2008-2012). Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019 10;101(4):941-945

Department of Anaesthesia and ICU, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

This study aimed to identify the clinical and laboratory manifestations that affect outcome of scorpion envenomation in children. It included 154 children admitted with scorpion sting envenomation over a period of 2 years. The epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of patients were recorded, and grading of severity was performed based on local and systemic involvement. Read More

Curr Top Med Chem 2019 ;19(22):2049-2057

Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia.

Background: Scorpion venom causes renal injury and affects vascular ion-channels function. Centruroides margaritatus scorpion is found in Colombia and is frequently the cause of envenomation accidents; however, its renal impact has never been investigated.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of C. Read More

Wilderness Environ Med 2019 Sep 25;30(3):274-280. Epub 2019 Jul 25.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Rawson, Cordoba, Argentina.

Introduction: In Argentina, the scorpion species Tityus trivittatus has been the species most commonly associated with serious injury and death.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of cases of T trivittatus envenomation that presented to the emergency department at an infectious disease hospital in Cordoba, Argentina, between December 2014 and February 2015. All cases were taxonomically confirmed using criteria established in the Argentine Ministry of Health national guidelines. Read More

J Arthropod Borne Dis 2019 Mar 30;13(1):104-115. Epub 2019 Mar 30.

Department of Pathology, Kirikkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale, Turkey.

Background: The aim of study was to compare macroscopical and histopathological findings between venoms belonging to two scorpion species, , and the newly discovered .

Methods: The animals used in this experimental study were fifteen New Zealand bred rabbits. Three groups were constituted as group I ( group, n= 6), group II ( group, n= 6) and group III (control group, n= 3). Read More

Molecules 2019 Jul 23;24(14). Epub 2019 Jul 23.

Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, UMR 7051, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, 51, Boulevard Pierre Dramard-CS80011, 13344-Marseille Cedex 15, France.

Scorpions, a characteristic group of arthropods, are among the earliest diverging arachnids, dating back almost 440 million years. One of the many interesting aspects of scorpions is that they have venom arsenals for capturing prey and defending against predators, which may play a critical role in their evolutionary success. Unfortunately, however, scorpion envenomation represents a serious health problem in several countries, including Iran. Read More

Vet Res Forum 2019 15;10(2):165-168. Epub 2019 Jun 15.

Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, shahrekord, Iran.

Scorpion envenomation is a main general health problem in developing countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. as a member of the Hemiscorpiidae family is cause of the most scorpion sting lethality in Iran. In the present study, the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in serum of envenomated sheep with the venom of were investigated. Read More

Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther 2019 ;51(2):163-165

Toxicology Center, Hospital de Base, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto - SP, Brazil.

Toxicon 2019 Sep 20;167:174-179. Epub 2019 Jun 20.

Programa de Pós Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Electronic address:

Scorpion envenomation results in a wide range of clinical manifestations that are mostly attributed to the activation of the autonomic nervous system by venom toxins. In fact, sympathetic and parasympathetic disturbances play important roles during poisoning. However, scorpion venom also induces a complex hyperinflammatory state that occurs parallel to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute sepsis. Read More

J Pediatr Intensive Care 2018 Dec 3;7(4):219-224. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Division of Pediatric Emergency Care, Department of Pediatrics, Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.

 Scorpion sting is a common medical problem and major cause of mortality and morbidity in many countries. The symptoms of envenomation are more severe in the pediatric population. The clinical manifestations of scorpion envenomation appear by activation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Read More

Indian Pediatr 2019 04;56(4):323-324

Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.

Toxins (Basel) 2019 04 30;11(5). Epub 2019 Apr 30.

Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.

Venom glands and soluble venom from the Mexican scorpion (Karsch, 1879) were used for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, respectively. An RNA-seq was performed by high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina platform. Approximately 80 million reads were obtained and assembled into 198,662 putative transcripts, of which 11,058 were annotated by similarity to sequences from available databases. Read More

Toxicol Rep 2019 8;6:329-335. Epub 2019 Apr 8.

Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.

Background And Aim: Scorpion envenomation is a common acute life threatening health problem in developing countries as Egypt. Scorpion venom is a complex structure composed of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins, and organic compounds, thereby having of neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, and renal side effects, in addition to local effects such as redness, pain, burning, and swelling.

Aims: The study consisted of two parts to describe demographic characteristics, toxicological manifestations of scorpion sting cases in Luxor, Egypt and morphological characterization of the commonest scorpion species in the studied community for easy rapid identification of scorpion species by doctors from the patient history to provide better choices of management. Read More

PLoS One 2019 3;14(4):e0214075. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Annually, more than 1.2 million scorpion stings and more than 3,000 deaths occur worldwide. Tityus serrulatus Lutz and Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) is the most medically relevant species in Brazil where it is spreading rapidly and causing over 90,000 cases of envenomation yearly. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2019 03 31;11(4). Epub 2019 Mar 31.

Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo SP 05503-900, Brazil.

Although omics studies have indicated presence of proteases on the venom (TsV), little is known about the function of these molecules. The TsV contains metalloproteases that cleave a series of human neuropeptides, including the dynorphin A (1-13) and the members of neuropeptide Y family. Aiming to isolate the proteases responsible for this activity, the metalloserrulase 3 and 4 (TsMS 3 and TsMS 4) were purified after two chromatographic steps and identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Jun 20;164:1-9. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil. Electronic address:

Scorpion envenomation has been considered a public health issue around the world. Tityus serrulatus represents a specie of major medical importance in Brazil due to mortality rates of approximately 1% among children and elderly populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract from Hancornia speciosa fruits, its fractions and its phenolic compounds against T. Read More

Animal Model Exp Med 2018 Sep 25;1(3):228-234. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry College of Veterinary Medicine University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue State Nigeria.

Background: About 50 species of scorpions cause fatal scorpionism worldwide. Most of these are members of the Buthidae family, and include, among others, , , , , and . Because high doses of scorpion venom and antivenom can cause death and hypersensitive reactions, there is a need to develop a formula that can be used to calculate both lethal and effective doses for scorpion venom and antivenom, respectively, thereby obviating the need for laboratory experiments. Read More

Toxicon 2019 May 16;163:23-31. Epub 2019 Mar 16.

Zanjan Applied Pharmacology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. Electronic address:

The main important clinical signs in acute kidney injury (AKI) after sever Hemiscorpius lepturus envenomation in patients is associated with proteinuria, hemolysis and hemoglobinuria. Unfortunately, our limited knowledge of molecular cell death mechanism in H. lepturus induced AKI restricts the development of desirable therapeutics. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2019 1;10:171. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Over 1 million cases of scorpion stings are estimated every year, whereas current treatment is limited to antivenom serum combined with supportive therapy. scorpion venom (TsV) is composed of diverse molecules, including toxins that induce a catecholamine storm and mediate classical symptoms of scorpion envenomation. However, the same toxins promote an intense inflammatory response coordinated by innate immune cells, such as macrophages, contributing significantly to the lung edema and mortality caused by TsV injection. Read More

Afr J Emerg Med 2019 Mar 4;9(1):21-24. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Division of Emergency Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Introduction: South Africa has a wide distribution of scorpion species, yet limited data are available regarding the incidence and severity of scorpion envenomation. The aim of this study was to analyse South African epidemiological data of scorpion stings and envenomation as reported to the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre (TPIC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of scorpion-related telephonic consultations to the TPIC over a ten year period (1 January 2005 to 31 December 2014). Read More

SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2019 26;7:2050313X19834187. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

University Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

White scorpion () stings are an emerging health hazard in northern Sri Lanka and are increasingly recognized particularly during the last decade. The stings are usually harmless; however, fatal cardiovascular sequelae ensues following severe envenomation. It is often difficult to identify this miniature creature and its site of sting due to its nature of habitat and nonspecific local symptoms that develop after the sting. Read More

Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019 Aug 26;57(8):677-685. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

a Venom Systems and Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences , Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland.

Snakes, insects, arachnids and myriapods have been linked to necrosis following envenomation. However, the pathways involved in arthropod venom-induced necrosis remain a highly controversial topic among toxinologists, clinicians and the public. On the one hand, clinicians report on alleged envenomations based on symptoms and the victims' information. Read More

Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019 Sep 7;57(9):760-764. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

c Department of Pediatrics, Arizona Children's Center at Maricopa Medical Center , Phoenix, AZ , USA.

The clinical course from scorpion envenomation can range from mild to life threatening, particularly in younger children. The F(ab') antivenom currently available in the United States is extremely effective for countering the neurotoxic effects but extremely expensive. This dose comparison study assesses clinical outcomes between two antivenom dosing strategies. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Mar 18;159:45-49. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt.

Background: Scorpion envenomation and its consequences represented a serious healthcare problem in Upper Egypt and considered to be an important cause of life-threatening emergency particularly in children.

Methods: One hundred patients presented to the emergency department of Assiut University Children Hospital with a history of scorpion sting aged less than 18 years were included in our randomized comparative trial during 2016. Two groups of patients were randomly categorized according to the route of administration of scorpion antivenom; intramuscular and intravenous with 50 patients in each group. Read More