Antivenoms

Scorpion antivenom

There are over 1700 species of scorpions worldwide, of which those in the Buthidae family are the most dangerous. Scorpion venoms contain many toxins with different pharmacological actions, and antitoxins to the whole venoms are required rather than antidotes to specific elements of the toxin. For example, Indian red scorpion toxin contains toxins, such as iberiotoxin and tamulus toxin, that block different forms of potassium channels [ ]; some contain toxins that block sodium channels [ ].

Scorpion antivenoms have been developed that are specifically directed against stinging by different types of scorpion, such as Tityus serrulatus and Centruroides sculpturatus , ( Centruroides exilicauda , bark scorpion), Androctonus australis garzonii and Buthus occitanus tunetanus [ ], and Mesobuthus tamulus concanesis Pocock ( Buthus tamulus , Indian red scorpion) [ , ]. Some antivenoms are effective against the venoms from more than one scorpion [ ]. An antivenom for use in case of envenomation by Centruroides sculpturatus has been approved for use by the FDA [ ]; reported adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Observational studies

In 54 children, aged 11 months to 10 years, who had been envenomed by scorpions, 19 had severe symptoms (convulsions, brain edema, shock, respiratory distress, and myocarditis); respiratory distress was the main feature in 17 cases, in two because of pulmonary edema and in one because of adult respiratory distress syndrome and myocarditis; mechanical ventilation was required in three cases [ ]. Intravenous antivenom quickly reversed the symptoms, and there were no adverse reactions.