Title: Cardiovascular Manifestations and ECG and ECHO Co-Relations of Scorpion Sting in Children
Authors: Dr J.K. Thaarani Priya, Dr R. Ramanathan, Dr E.Balasubramaniyan, Dr S. Hari Vasudevan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i10.103
Abstract
Scorpion sting envenomation is a relatively common medical emergency and causes serious health problems in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptomatology and severity of envenomation varies greatly. Scorpion sting may cause myocardial injury and heart failure (HF). Clinical signs of failure may develop several hours or even days after the sting, while electrocardiography (ECG) and blood examination soon after the sting may be normal. Clinical, laboratory, ECG, and ECHO results were checked. Abnormal echo included global hypokinesia and low fractional shortening and ejection fraction of the left ventricle.
OBJECTIVES: 1) To study the clinical manifestations 2) To study the various electrocardiographic and echocardiographic manifestations of scorpion sting.
METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, RMMCH during the period of Nov 2014 - Nov 2015. RESULTS: A total of 100 cases of scorpion envenomation were included in the study, 68 males and 32 females with majority of cases in 0-5 year age group. 88% reached the hospital within 5 hours. 59% had pain, 72% had tachycardia 28% had profuse sweating. Excessive salivation was seen in 5% and priapism in 18%. ECG changes were present in 72%. ECHO changes were present in 46%.
CONCLUSION: Scorpion sting envenomation is a relatively common health problem. Severe cardiopulmonary manifestations like myocarditis, pulmonary edema and severe hypotension are potentially lethal if proper care is not taken.
KEYWORDS: Scorpion bite, Clinical spectrum, ECG and ECHO changes.
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