Abstract

Scorpions are venomous arthropods with approximately 100 scorpion species worldwide. Scorpion stings (SS) primarily occur due to accidental contact and is more common in children. Scorpion sting resulting in envenomation is a life-threatening emergency and causes serious health problems in tropical and subtropical regions. Medically significant scorpion envenomation (SE) is almost always associated with intense localized pain. Systemic effects may occur in fewer cases. The severity of SE is classified as minor, moderate or severe and treatment strategies are based on this grading. Deaths are usually due to cardiogenic shock and pulmonary oedema. This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional and hospital-based study aiming for clinical presentation and outcome of SS among children aged one to 15 years in Kassala Teaching and Specialized Hospital, Sudan. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. A total of 76 children were included, with a male to female ratio of 1: 1. Majority of stings occurred in children aged 1-5 years (42.1%) and in rural areas (75%). Most common symptom was pain at the sting site (84.2%), hyperemia (85.5%) and sweating (53.9%). The lower extremities were the most frequent sites of envenomation, in 46.1%. Stings were predominantly reported at night, in 63.2%. The clinical outcomes were graded, with most of cases classified as minor (Grade I, 44.7%). Two thirds of children (65.8%) fully recovered. Mortality rate was 14.5%. Causes of death were cardiogenic shock, seizures, respiratory failure and multiorgan failure. Delayed presentation and severe systemic manifestations contribute to increased mortality risk

Key words: Scorpion Sting, Envenomation, Clinical Presentation, Children, Morbidity and Mortality.