Myocardial dysfunction in children with scorpion sting envenomation.

Scorpion sting envenomation with systemic manifestations is a life threatening emergency and poses a significant health problem in children. Mesobuthus tumulus or Indian red scorpion, the most toxic species in India, is abundantly found in coastal areas and para-Gangetic regions. In envenomed children, serum venom concentration peaks at about 2 hours, and its level is directly related to clinical manifestations [1] which also depend upon the age of the patient, the season of the sting and the time lapse between the sting and the hospitalization. Children are more likely to develop rapid deterioration because of their lesser body weight. The critical time period in cardiopulmonary dysfunction ranges from two to several hours after the sting.