title: Anaphylaxis to scorpion antivenin and its management following envenomation by Indian red scorpion, Mesobuthus tamulus.
abstract: Mesobuthus tamulus is an Indian red scorpion that is responsible for numerous cases of scorpion stings in the Indian subcontinent. Antivenin, vasodilators, and benzodiazepines are medications of choice in the treatment of scorpion bites. Adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis to antivenin have been infrequently described in the literature. We, herein, present a case of a 42-year-old man stung by Indian red scorpion while gardening at home in India, who presented with extreme pain at the sting site and signs of cardio-toxicity. He was treated with scorpion antivenin and vasodilators but developed anaphylaxis to antivenin. We discuss management strategies. Anaphylaxis to antivenin should be on the differential during management of scorpion bites because classical signs of anaphylaxis may be absent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Giriraj Hospital, Baramati, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Rahul Ramesh
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Bhoite
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D. C., USA.
authors.forename: Girija Ramesh
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Bhoite
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Dayanand N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Bagdure
authors.affiliation: Bawaskar Hospital and Research Center, Mahad, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Himmatrao S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Bawaskar
keywords: Anaphylaxis; Mesobuthus tamulus; antivenin; corticosteroids; envenomation; scorpion