Need for emergency department observation after  scorpion sting: prospective study and review of the  literature in the Middle East.
OBJECTIVE
To question the existing practice to observe the victims of scorpion sting in the emergency department at least for 6 h.


METHODS
Prospective study of all adult patients presenting to emergency department after scorpion sting during 3 years, and review of existing literature from Middle East countries.


CONCLUSIONS
Serious toxicity after scorpion sting in Israel and some of neighboring countries is rare, and always presents within 1 h from the sting. Thus, prolonged observation can be reserved for a high-risk population and patients with serious toxicity on admission.
Antopolsky
Meir
M
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel. mimosa4@netvision.net.il
Salameh
Shaden
S
Stalnikowicz
Ruth
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D065008:Scorpion Stings / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012605:Scorpions; D055815:Young Adult