Hemolysis, Renal Failure, and Local Necrosis Following Scorpion Sting

Abstract

SEVERE hemolysis and secondary renal failure due to a scorpion sting was observed in a patient—a complication that, to our knowledge, has not been well recognized by Western medicine. Some scorpion venoms are hemotoxic and may cause severe hemolysis.^1,3The toxicity of the Khuzistan scorpion has also been demonstrated.⁴ The yellowish scorpion responsible for the sting of our patient could be one of the three yellow groups of Khuzistan scorpions—<i>Buthus, Cosmobuthus, and Hemiscorpius</i>—of which<i>Buthus sauloci</i>is the most common, most frequently found in houses, and most likely the one that had stung our patient. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> A 28-year-old woman was stung by a yellowish scorpion at Ramhormoz, Iran, situated 120 km northeast of Ahwaz in southern Iran while sleeping on her bedroom floor. Twenty-four hours after the sting, the patient started passing reddish urine, became breathless during the slightest exertion, and was admitted to