Vasodilators: scorpion envenoming and the heart (an Indian experience).

Our aim was to assess clinically whether there was any benefit in adding a single dose of sublingual nifedipine (a slow calcium channel blocker) to prazosin in the management of the cardiovascular manifestations of envenoming by the Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus). A total of 163 patients stung by this species was admitted to hospital at Mahad between January 1991 and October 1993. Cardiovascular abnormalities were hypertension (59), of whom 42 had bradycardia and 17 had tachycardia; pulmonary oedema (14), of whom eight had hypertension and six hypotension; supraventricular tachycardia (eight), of whom three had hypotension and one died.

Management of the cardiovascular manifestations of poisoning by the Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus).

Objective: The efficacy of nifedipine and prazosin in combination or alone in the management of cardiovascular manifestations caused to Mesobuthus tamulus poisoning was investigated.

Design: Observation and study.

Setting: Hospital at Mahad, Maharashtra, India.

Role of atropine in management of cardiovascular manifestations of scorpion envenoming in humans.

We undertook a retrospective analysis of 35 victims of red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) sting, admitted to our hospital in Mahad, Maharashtra State, India. Increase in duration as well as severity of clinical signs, including myocardial injury and poor response to conventional treatment, were observed in 17 victims treated with atropine compared to another 18 victims who were not so treated. We do not advocate routine use of atropine to block transient cholinergic effects of scorpion envenoming.

Cardiovascular manifestations of severe scorpion sting in India (review of 34 children).

Scorpion sting in children is a hazardous and potentially fatal condition. Of 34 children admitted to hospital in Mahad, Maharashtra State, India following scorpion sting, 14 had hypertension (130/90-170/130 mmHg), five had myocardial failure, acute pulmonary oedema developed in nine, two had tachycardia (110-200/min) and four died. Analysis of data suggests that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality depend upon the time lapse between sting and administration of vasodilators.

Stings by red scorpions (Buthotus tamulus) in Maharashtra State, India: a clinical study.

Of 33 cases of scorpion sting admitted to hospital in Mahad, Maharashtra State, India, 10 had a mean blood pressure between 100 and 137 mm/Hg and 11 had a heart rate between 130 and 215 per min. Seven patients developed acute pulmonary oedema; there were 2 deaths. Three patients had local pain at the site of sting.

Prazosin for vasodilator treatment of acute pulmonary oedema due to scorpion sting.

Prazosin hydrochloride, a post-synaptic alpha receptor blocking agent, was administered to twelve patients with acute pulmonary oedema due to scorpion sting in order to lower their mean blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure plus one-third of pulse pressure) 10 to 20 mmHg. Following an oral dose (0.125 mg in children and 0.