An Epidemiological Study on Scorpionism in Isfahan Province

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Medical Student, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: The Scorpion is an actual public health problem in several parts of the world; because, either incidence, or severity of envenomation is high and managed with difficulty by health services, or of these two reasons at the same time. Although there have been several studies of scorpionism in many parts of the country, this was the first study of this kind in Isfahan.Methods: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and some common clinical symptoms and signs among humans stung by scorpion in the central province of Iran, Isfahan. The study was conducted in the emergency departments of “Noor” and “Khoor” hospitals between 2007 and 2009. All data were collected by physicians in a researcher-made questionnaire. Clinical signs and symptoms of all the patients presented to the hospital with a history of scorpion envonomation were recorded.Finding: Of all the patients presented to the emergency department after a scorpion sting during the 1.5 years period of the study, 147 patients achieved inclusion criteria. All the patients received supportive therapy and no severe case was reported; so there was no need for long term hospitalization. There was no need for antivenom according to clinical signs and symptoms. All the patients were discharged home a short time after admission and no sequel was notified.Conclusion: According to this study, scorpionism is not of clinical importance in this geographical region, and the most important achievement is that there was no need of antivenom in managing the patients.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 28, Issue 114 - Serial Number 114
September and October 2011
Pages 885-891

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 March 2011
  • Revise Date: 02 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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