INTERLEUKIN-6 RELEASE FOLLOWING SCORPION STING IN CHILDREN

Interleukin-6 levels were measured in the serum of ten children follow ing severe scorpion envenomation. Measurements were taken on arrival, at the emergency room, and 12 and 24 hr after arrival. Interleukin-6 w as markedly elevated in the serum of eight out of ten children on arri val. Interleukin-6 levels gradually decreased toward normal values on 12 and 24 hr measurements, but remained above control levels on all me asurements. These results imply that signs and symptoms following scor pion envenomation may in part be explained by release of cytokines. Hu man and experimental animal studies are required in order to verify th e assumption that interleukin-6 and other cytokines are involved in th e pathogenesis of scorpion envenomation.