Second Dose of Scorpion Antivenom in Children with Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthus Tamulus) Sting Envenomation

Objective: To study the effect of the second dose of scorpion antivenom in children with non-resolving or worsening scorpion sting envenomation.

Methods: 72 children aged ≤12 years with scorpion sting envenomation grade 2 and above were enrolled. 61 received the first dose of three vials of antivenom at admission (group A). Children with persistent/worsening envenomation at 6 hours received the second dose (group B). The time required for resolution of autonomic symptoms, myocardial dysfunction, predictors of the second dose and side effects were studied.

Results: The mean time taken for resolution of autonomic symptoms were similar in GroupA and B (4.1 vs. 5.3 hours, P=0.452), and of myocardial dysfunction was shorter in Group A (10.8 vs. 37.6 hours, P=0.019). On regression analysis, abnormal echocardiography at admission was found to be a significant predictor of the second dose (OR=27.6, 95% CI, 4.7-162.5; P=<0.001).

Conclusion: Children with severe scorpion sting envenomation with abnormal echocardiography may require a higher dose of scorpion antivenom.