Study of the Complications of Snakebite and Scorpion Sting and Related Factors

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the complications of snakebites and scorpion stings and their associated factors in Shahroud city.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 patients with snakebite and scorpion sting referred to Imam Hossein and Bahar hospitals of Shahroud during the years 2021-2022. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and paraclinical findings.

Results: In this study, out of 260 poisoned individuals, 172 (64.2%) were male and the rest were female. The mean age of the patients was 38.1 ± 15.9 years (range:7-90 years). 34 (12.7%) were bitten by snakes and 226 (87.3%) were bitten by scorpions. Fever (P=0.028), redness and inflammation of the bite site (P=0.031), leukocytosis (P=0.041) and increased CRP (P=0.035) were the most common complications, which were significantly higher in snakebites. There was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in terms of neurological complications. Regarding cardiac complications, T wave changes were significantly higher in the snakebite group (P=0.039). It was also found that in snakebite patients, the need for antivenom administration (P=0.001) and the need for hospitalization for more than 12 hours (P=0.035) were significantly higher, and the rate of complete recovery and discharge (P=0.041) was significantly lower. In the logistic regression model, it was found that the factors of snakebite, agricultural occupation, spring and summer seasons, bite site, and lack of antivenom injection, were among the most important factors associated with the exacerbation of snake and scorpion bite complications.

Conclusion: The work found significantly higher infectious and cardiac complications in snakebites versus scorpion bites, highlighting the necessity to address venom and contributing factors to lower complication rates.