Assessment of the Efficacy of Scorpion Antivenom Therapy in a Dose-response Manner, in Patients With Scorpionism

Selene Guadalupe Huerta Olvera56 enrolled

Overview

The clinical study aims to compare the effectiveness of applying two different regimens of scorpion antivenom therapy. In the first regimen (control), the medication is administered to all patients, and depending on the severity of the condition, the dosage varies. In the experimental regimen, an identical dose of scorpion antivenom is administered to patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of scorpion sting intoxication, in addition to pain and other symptoms at the sting site. The primary response variable is the time taken for signs and symptoms to resolve, but differences in complications, adverse effects, venom and antivenom concentration in the blood, and the need for other therapeutic measures are also evaluated.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Centruroides Envenomation

Interventions

All patients will be classified according to two severity scales. The pharmacist, who is the only team member aware of which group each patient was assigned to, will consider the classification corresponding to the classification proposed by the Mexican Clinical Practice Guideline to decide the dose of scorpion antivenom. Scorpion antivenom will be administered to all patients. Patients in this group will receive between one and three vials every 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition (one vial for patients classified as grade I, two vials for patients classified as grade II, and three vials for patients classified as grade III)

Serial dose of scorpion antivenom regimenDRUG

All patients will be classified according to two severity scales. The pharmacist, who is the only team member aware of which group each patient was assigned to, will consider the classification corresponding to the American classification to decide the dose of scorpion antivenom. Scorpion antivenom will be administered only in the presence of signs and/or systemic symptoms of intoxication, excluding signs and symptoms at the sting site. Patients in this group will receive between one and two vials every 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition (one vial for patients classified as grade III and two vials for patients classified as grade IV)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 99 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18 or older presenting with a diagnosis of scorpionism to the emergency department. * Treated solely with paracetamol, scorpion antivenom, saline solution, and local ice application. * Any gender. * Less than two hours elapsed since scorpion sting. * Willing to participate in the study through written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Allergies or contraindications to any of the study medications. * Uncertainty regarding scorpion sting. * Previous treatment by another physician. * Intramuscular administration of scorpion antivenom due to urgent clinical conditions. * Decision not to provide informed consent. * Any limitations hindering the proper understanding of study participation.