RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Epidemiological review of scorpion stings in Qatar
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 851
OP 855
DO 10.15537/smj.2015.7.11749
VO 36
IS 7
A1 Baha H. Alkahlout
A1 Muhammad M. Abid
A1 Mohammad M. Kasim
A1 Shumaila M. Haneef
YR 2015
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/36/7/851.abstract
AB Objectives: To review the epidemiology of scorpion sting in Qatar, to explore both the clinical significance, and the role of the emergency department (ED) in the management of such cases.Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of all scorpion sting cases presented to the ED of Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar between October 2010 and May 2013.Results: A total of 111 cases of scorpion stings were reviewed, 81 (72.9%) were males and 30 (27.1%) were females, with a mean age of 38 years. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (89 [80.2%]), whereas localized redness (44 [39.6%]) and swelling (38 [34.2%]) were the most common clinical signs. Abroug’s classification was used, and all cases were found to be class I. All patients received symptomatic treatment and were sent home.Conclusion: Scorpion sting problem in Qatar has a low clinical significance. Data from such studies should be utilized to create more specific (local) management guidelines, which should be more efficient with more rational utilization of ED resources.