Severe bark scorpion envenomation in adults

AbstractIntroduction: The preponderance of medical literature regarding severe bark scorpion envenomation describes pediatric patients; however, the majority (>66%) of annual poison center calls pertain to adults. This retrospective review sought to evaluate the clinical manifestations of adults with severe Centruroides sculpturatus envenomation and determine if significant morbidity occurred.Methods: This is a retrospective review of adults presenting to a single tertiary referral center with Grade-III or Grade-IV scorpion envenomation from 1 January 2007 to 3 March 2013. The primary objective is to describe clinical findings, treatment strategies, complications and short-term outcomes.Results: Thirty-three patients were included; 61% were female (20/33), average age was 40.7 (19–81) years. The average time to healthcare facility was 142 (14–720) minutes. The most common signs and symptoms of envenomation were: pain/paresthesias 94%, opsoclonus 82%, excessive motor activity 76%, visual disturbance 76%. B...