Clinical aspects and frequency of scorpion stings in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical aspects and frequency of scorpion stings in Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: Clinical aspects and frequency of scorpion sting cases reporting to 2 referral hospitals in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia were analyzed during May 2006 to April 2008. Data on demographic status, date and time of sting, sting site, scorpion color, clinical manifestations, and treatment were collected.

RESULTS: A total of 391 cases of scorpion stings were recorded from the 2-referral hospitals, 248 (63.4%) of were men and 143 (36.6%) were women. The 21-30 years age group was the worst affected, followed by 31-40 years, 11-20 years, and <10 years age groups. Larger number of stings occurred during the summer months, at nights, and on distal limbs. Most of the patients reached the hospital within one hour of the sting. The yellow scorpions were responsible for a larger number of stings than the black scorpions. Seventy-five percent of the patients showed local signs and symptoms and 25% demonstrated systemic manifestations of poisoning. Most of the patients were treated with antivenom.

CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of scorpion stings largely with mild signs/symptoms and without any mortality suggests the predominance of weak venomous scorpion species in the Riyadh region. Therefore, the protocol of managing scorpion-sting patients with anti-venom irrespective of the intensity of manifestations warrants a detailed review.