Scorpion stings in Turkey: epidemiological and clinical aspects between the years 1995 and 2004

Abstract

SUMMARYThe most important health-threatening scorpions found in Turkey are; Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus and M. eupeus species, all of which belong to the Buthidae family. The epidemiological and clinical findings of scorpion stings in Turkey were evaluated between the years 1995 and 2004 based on data recorded in the National Poison Information Center (NPIC). A total of 930 cases were recorded. The cases mostly occurred in the month of July. The gender distribution was 50.22% female and 45.48% male. It was shown that the 20-29 age group presented more scorpion stings. Most of the stings occurred in Central Anatolia and Marmara regions of Turkey. Patients at the hospital showed signs of localized (pain, hyperemia, edema and numbness) and systemic effects (hyperthermia, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, shivering and lethargy) but no lethality was notified. According to records, 33% of the poisoned patients were treated with antivenin in healthcare facilities.

Pediatric epidemiological aspects of scorpionism and report on fatal cases from Tityus stigmurus stings (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in State of Pernambuco, Brazil

“…A strong positive correlation between scorpion stings and seasonality has been described in many regions of the world 7,15,33 , including southeast Brazil 26 . In these locales, accidents are more frequent during the hot season, when it is assumed that scorpions are more active, which increases the opportunity for stings.…”

“…These factors contribute to a rapid progression from the mild to the severe phase in young children. In addition to patient age and susceptibility, other aspects reported to infl uence the signs and symptoms of scorpion envenomation include the species of scorpion, sex of the patient, site of the sting and period elapsed between the time of the sting and fi rst medical aid 14,15,29 .…”

“…In 2012, the incidence was 26,3/100,000 inhabitants, with a mortality rate of approximately 0.2% 13 . Differences in the severity of scorpion poisoning have been associated worldwide with variations in the venom composition, the amount of venom inoculated, the individual body mass, the sensitivity of the injured patient to the poison and the time elapsed between the sting and administration of the antidote 14,15 .…”

Scorpion Sting During Pregnancy: Case Report

“…In management of scorpion stings during pregnancy, observation and supportive treatment are sufficient when the patient is at stage I, whereas all cases should be followed-up closely due to possible harmful effects of scorpion venom. 5 Ülkemizde görülen akrep sokmaları sık-lıkla yaz aylarında görülmekte ve İç Anadolu Böl-gesi en sık bildirim yapılan bölge olmaktadır. 5 Kliniği genellikle hafif seyirlidir ve antivenom ihtiyacı %8 oranında tespit edilmiştir.…”

“…5 Kliniği genellikle hafif seyirlidir ve antivenom ihtiyacı %8 oranında tespit edilmiştir. 1,3,5,6 Bu yazıda, bir ilçe devlet hastanesine akrep sokması nedeniyle başvuran bir gebe olguyu sunarken, gebelikte akrep sokması durumunda yapılması gerekenler ile bebek ve anne açısından olası risklerin literatür eşliğinde tartışması amaçlandı.…”