SCORPION ENVENOMATION IN CHILDREN IN SOUTHERN INDIA

The clinical presentation of 32 children with scorpion envenomation wa s analysed. The most common presentation was cold, clammy extremities with normal blood pressure. Myocarditis was present in 16 children (50 %) and encephalopathy in four (12.5%). Two children died. ECG was a se nsitive indicator of myocarditis which was subclinical in four childre n. Left ventricular dysfunction was a transient phenomenon. Myocarditi s and encephalopathy were the two lethal complications observed. Serum free fatty acid levels were elevated two to three-fold in all symptom atic patients. Blood glucose levels were only mildly elevated and seru m amylase levels and electrolytes were normal in all the children. No specific antivenom was given. In the absence of specific antivenom, ea rly and active supportive treatment reduces the morbidity and mortalit y due to scorpion envenomation.