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

Assessment of the Efficacy of Anti-scorpion Venom Therapy in a Dose-response Manner, Following the Principles of Rational Drug Use in Patients With Scorpionism: a Non-inferiority, Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Clinical Trial

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.

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.