The objective of this work is to analyse and interpret data from patients bitten by scorpions in a province of Morocco in order to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by scorpion venom. A study was conducted of 901 cases of poisoning among 6959 cases of scorpion stings recorded between January 2002 and December 2006 from bites recorded in Beni Mellal. The results show that poisoning strongly coincides with the summer period, especially in July and August. All age groups are affected by this disease with an average age of 17.28 +/- 17.91 years. For the time post injection, 35.2% were able to check in under an hour. On the other hand, 70.9% reach a health facility with symptoms (class II) and 29.1% with signs of distress (Class III). Finally, the evolution of patients is mostly positive in 94.7% of cases, and the case fatality rate from scorpion sting poisoning is 3.88%.
Scorpion stings comprise a serious problem throughout the globe, especially in regions where they are more frequent. In Morocco, Beni Mellal is one of the provinces most affected by this burden. This study aimed to trace the epidemiological profile of scorpion stings in Beni Mellal in order to improve patient care and prevent both morbidity and mortality. Our work is a retrospective study of scorpion stings based on medical charts of Beni Mellal. From 2002 cases were registered in this province with an average incidence of 1.36‰. The stings were more frequent in summer months, particularly July and August, and between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. (59.8%). The average age of victims was 26.54 ± 18.42 years. Children were affected in 30.3% of the cases. Of all registered cases, 67.3% of the patients received medical aid in less than an hour after the sting. The envenomation rate (Class II and Class III) was 12.4% and the overall case-fatality rate was 0.42% with a mortality rate of 0.005‰. Statistical analysis of the various studied factors revealed a significant connection among the envenomation class, patient age and evolution.
Résumé -
Mots clés : Envenimation, scorpion, épidémiologie, fiches d'hospitalisation, Beni MellalAbstract -In Morocco, the province of Beni Mellal is one of the regions most affected by the problem of scorpion sting and envenomation. Objective: The aim of this research is to reduce cases of morbidity and mortality subsequent to scorpion envenomation through the analysis and interpretation of data recorded in hospital admission forms. Patients and methods: Our study covered 56 retrospective cases of scorpion poisoning during the year 2007, which were reported by the hospital's intensive care service in Beni Mellal province. Results: Results indicate that scorpion envenomation occurs mainly during summer time, in particular during June and July. Moreover, stings happen at night between 6PM and 6AM (56.8%). Youngsters with age less than or equal to 15 years are those most exposed to envenomation, with a male age of 14.92 ± 12.94 years. Furthermore, 71.4% of the hurt patients arrive at the hospital with general symptoms and 28.6% exhibit signs of vital distress. The therapy is still variable, and the rate of lethality at hospital is 8.92%. Statistical analysis of various factors studied in relation to survival prediction (recovery and mortality) showed a highly significant difference for each admission class (χ 2 = 13.72 and p < 0.001). Age of less than 15 years and cardiovascular are factors of risk for envenomed patients. Conclusion: Scorpion envenomation remains a public health problem in Morocco.
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