Predictors of Myocardial Dysfunction in Children with Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) Sting Envenomation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive risk factors for myocardial dysfunction in children with scorpion sting envenomation and to evaluate the effects of Scorpion antivenom and prazosin combination therapy on occurrence of myocardial dysfunction.

DESIGN: Observational.

SETTING: Tertiary care hospital in Southern India.

PARTICIPANTS: 85 children aged <13 years with scorpion sting envenomation.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of myocardial dysfunction; predictors of myocardial dysfunction.

RESULTS: 24 children (28.2%) developed myocardial dysfunction. Hypotension at admission (P=0.003) and increased time (>4h) between sting and administration of appropriate therapy (P=0.001) were independent predictors of myocardial dysfunction on logistic regression. Scorpion antivenom plus prazosin combination therapy led to an increase in cumulative proportion of children without myocardial dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS: Early (<4 hours) administration of Scorpion antivenom along with prazosin increases the cumulative percentage of children not developing myocardial dysfunction.