The medical importance of scorpionism in Paraguay: a review of the multisystemic failure associated with scorpion envenomation and contribution to its differential diagnosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32480/rscp.2022.27.2.122Keywords:
scorpionism, scorpions, Tityus, multiorgan failure, pancreatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, Paraguay, differential diagnosisAbstract
Scorpionism, or the medical consequence of scorpion stings in humans, is a public health problem in urban and rural areas of Tropical America, including Paraguay, associated with poverty and the lack of access to specific antivenoms. Despite its prevalence, scorpionism in Paraguay has not been assessed before. The local distribution of toxic scorpion species that are endemic to Paraguay and shared with neighboring countries, and also the record of severe cases in children from the Central Department, demand a review of this pathology to enlighten health professionals and biomedical researchers on the subject. In this review, the current status of scorpionism in Paraguay is presented, along with the physiopathological alterations elicited by scorpion venoms on the various organ systems targeted by the toxins, and its differential diagnosis, with the intent to contribute with the adequate treatment of victims and the holistic understanding of this emerging neglected disease in the country.
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