Citation

Skolnik AB, Ewald MB. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 2013; 29(1): 98-103.

Affiliation

Clinical Fellow (Skolnik), *Banner Good Samaritan Medical Toxicology Fellowship, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ; Staff Physician and Fellowship Director (Burns Ewald), †Division of Emergency Medicine and Harvard Medical Toxicology Fellowship, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PEC.0b013e31827b5733

PMID

23283277

Abstract

In the Southwestern United States, the venom of the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus (common name bark scorpion) can cause serious and potentially fatal neurotoxicity, with young children most vulnerable to its effects. Historically, advances in the quality of supportive care have made significant improvements in morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the development of effective antivenom therapies has changed the landscape of caring for these patients. This article reviews the background, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for C. sculpturatus envenomation. Recent advances in immunotherapy and subsequent implications for pediatric emergency care providers are discussed.

Language: en