The African Journal of Neurological Sciences Vol 17 No.1,
1998
Scorpion sting in Egypt
FARID W., DEBROCK C., MACHARIA W., PREUX P.M.
Code Number: NS98003
SUMMARY
To determine the effect of the timing of scorpion sting, and
that of whole blood exchange on the mortality, we studied 82 cases
presenting at a rural health center in Egypt. Fourty six patients
received only classic traetment, and 36 patients received the
classic treatment and whole blood exchange. The mortality rate was
significantly higher for early night stings and for the group
treated classically. Undue visits scorpion infested areas is to be
avoided in the early night period. Whole blood exchange seems
beneficial as addition therapy to the classical methods. Further
studies need to be done to clarify this benefit.
RESUME
82 cas de morsures de scorpion survenues dans une zone
rurale du centre de l'Egypte ont ete etudies afin de determiner
l'influence sur la mortalite: du moment de la morsure dans la
journee et aussi de l'efficacite du traitement par transfusion de
sang.
46 patients ont eu un traitement classique et 36 une
transfusion. La mortalite a ete significativement plus elevee
lorsque la morsure avait lieu au debut de la nuit ainsi que sur le
groupe traite classiquement.
La frequentation des lieux ou il y a beaucoup de scorpions est
deconseillee au debut de la nuit.
La transfusion de sang associee a la therapeutique classique
parait efficace. Il faudrait entreprendre d'autres etudes pour
preciser cette efficacite.
KEYWORDS: scorpion sting - Egypt
Copyright 1998 Pan African Association of Neurological
Sciences