There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
The pathophysiology of the scorpion envenoming syndrome is reviewed with emphasis
on the body systems commonly affected. Concepts of the mechanisms underlying venom
action, as can be explained by the recently discovered effects on ionic channels,
are discussed. The results of clinical analysis of cases of scorpion sting victims
and animal experiments with scorpion envenomation supporting these concepts are presented.
The pharmacokinetic characteristics of scorpion venoms and their correlation to the
magnitude of toxic effects are presented in relation to the potentials of therapeutic
intervention. The pharmacological basis of the therapeutic usefulness and toxicities
of the drugs commonly used in the treatment of scorpion envenoming is also projected.
Finally, the results of a successful nation-wide clinical study with serotherapy of
scorpion envenoming are presented and evaluated.