
The Clinical Profile and the Efficacy of
Prazosin in Scorpion Sting Envenomation
in Children of North Karnataka (India)
456-458
Correspondence
Ramesh Pol, Assistant Professor,
Department of Pediatrics, S.N.Medical College,
Bagalkot-587102, Karnataka, India
E-mail: rameshpol1004@yahoo.co.in; Mobile-+91-9945308081
Objective: This study was an evaluation of the pattern of presentation, the outcome and the efficacy of Prazosin in scorpion sting envenomation at a tertiary care hospital in Bagalkot, India.
Methods: A total of 240 consecutive children were prospectively studied. The data included demographics, the time of presentation to the hospital, the clinical features, and the premedication which was given before the arrival of the subjects at the hospital, response to the oral Prazosin and the hospital outcome.
Results: Local pain, sweating and peripheral circulatory failure were the common clinical presentations. Complications like acutepulmonary oedema, myocarditis, shock and encephalopathy were also seen. These were treated with a combination of Prazosin with either inotropes or vasodilators. Mortality was seen in 18 (7.5%) children. The usage of antihistaminics and steroids in these children led to higher mortality. Oral Prazosin, a postsynaptic alpha –1 blocker, is a highly effective drug for scorpion sting envenomation.
Conclusion: Scorpion sting envenomation is an acute life threatening emergency and an early presentation to the hospital and an early intervention with Prazosin can hasten the recovery in the scorpion sting victim.