Serum electrolyte changes in pediatric patients stung by scorpions

scorpion sting is a health problem in some places of mexico. the clinical manifestations of scorpion envenomation are variable and include metabolic alterations. hyperkalemia is the most frequently reported metabolic alteration. we conducted a prospective, observational, descriptive and transversal study in an emergency room at hospital del ni？o morelense, mexico. eighty-two patients were included and classified as mild (17%) moderate (33%) and severe (46%). the mean serum level of sodium was 146.4meq/l, standard deviation (sd) 5.58; potassium 3.86meq/l, sd 0.53, and calcium 9.55mg/dl, sd 0.76. we found 30.4% hypernatremia, 12% hypokalemia, 10.9% abdominal distension, and 14.6% visual alterations.