Scorpion stings are a common medical emergency in Mexico, particularly in the state of Jalisco. While antivenom is the standard treatment for scorpion envenomation, there is variability in how it is used, including differences in dosing strategies. In addition, many patients use home remedies before seeking medical care, which may delay treatment and influence the severity of symptoms.
This study is an observational, retrospective analysis of patients treated for scorpion envenomation in the emergency department of a public hospital in Jalisco, Mexico, between 2021 and 2023. Using information from medical records, the study examines the relationship between the use of home remedies, the time to receive medical care, clinical severity at presentation, and the antivenom dosing strategies used, including traditional and reduced-dose approaches.
The goal of this study is to better understand factors associated with clinical severity and antivenom use in real-world emergency care. The results may help inform future clinical decision-making, promote rational use of antivenom, and improve timely access to appropriate medical treatment for patients with scorpion envenomation.