Doxazosin in the treatment of scorpion envenomation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate effectiveness and applicability of Doxazosin in the treatment of scorpion stings in patients who had systemic symptoms.


METHODS
The medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed, and the following data were collected: age, sex, clinical symptoms (localized and systemic), vital signs, information on the date and place of the sting occurrence, the anatomical sting site, time between sting and arrival to the hospital, scorpion identification, severity of the symptoms and treatment.


RESULTS
Of the victims, 48.5 % (n = 16) were males, and 51.5 % (n = 17) were females, with a mean age of 6.8 ± 4.2 y. The most common sting site was lower extremity 72.7 % (n = 24). Systemic toxicity (class II) was seen in 93.9 %, and two patients (6.1 %) manifested evidence of severe envenomation (class III). Both local and systemic effects were seen in the patients. Cold extremities persisted for 4.5 ± 1.5 h after administration of Doxazosin. Mean hospitalization time was 2.5 ± 1.5 d (range: 1.5 to 6 d). Thirty-two patients recovered without any sequel, whereas one patient died due to cardio-pulmonary insufficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
Doxazosin, especially if Prazosin is not available, can be recommended as an effective drug in the treatment of serious scorpion envenomations with significant sympathetic symptoms.
School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey, dr.capan@hotmail.com.
Capan
C
Konca
Mehmet
M
Tekin
Mehmet
M
Turgut
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000997:Antivenins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017292:Doxazosin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D065008:Scorpion Stings / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012604:Scorpion Venoms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000997:Antivenins; D012604:Scorpion Venoms; D017292:Doxazosin