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Stings from scorpions in the U.S. Southwest and Mexico can produce a neuromotor syndrome that, in its severe form, is characterized by uncoordinated hyperactivity with thrashing limbs, oculomotor and visual abnormalities, and respiratory compromise. Severe reactions are more common in children. An antivenom produced from various Mexican scorpion species (including some also found in the U.S.) was evaluated at two Arizona intensive care units, where 15 children (age range, 6 months to 18 years) were admitted within 5 hours of a scorpion sting with severe neuromotor syndrome; they were randomized to scorpion-specific antivenom or placebo.
Within 4 hours after treatment, the syndrome had resolved in all eight children who received antivenom and…