Study of Hematological Parameters in Patients with Scorpion Envenomation Presented to the Poison Control Center of Ain Shams University Hospitals

Background: Scorpion envenomation constitutes a genuine problem of public health all over the world, especially in North-Saharan Africa. Aim: To evaluate alterations in hematological parameters correlated to the severity of scorpion envenomation and to assess the relation between these alterations and antivenin therapy. Methods: A prospective study included 36 patients presented to the Poison Control Center of Ain Shams University Hospitals (PCCASUH) with history of scorpion envenomation, from the first of May 2018 to the end of May 2019. Patients were classified into two groups according to the severity of envenomation: Group I (mild envenomation) and Group II (moderate and severe envenomation). Results: Patients presented with moderate and severe envenomation showed increase in hemoglobin level, hematocrit value (Hct) and total leukocytic count (TLC) when compared to those with mild envenomation. Increase of the platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) was observed among the patients with moderate and severe envenomation when compared to those with mild envenomation. Decrease of the platelet count and plateletcrit (PCT) was observed among patients with moderate and severe envenomation when compared to those with mild envenomation. Hematocrit value, TLC, platelet count, PCT and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were lower in patients with moderate and severe envenomation after antivenom therapy. Conclusion: Our findings showed that TLC, PLCR and APTT seem to be useful tools in predicting the severity of scorpion envenomation. Hematocrit value, TLC, platelet count, PCT and APTT were useful tools to follow up the patient’s condition.
Received in original form: 11 October 2021 Accepted in a final form: 9 November 2021