Introduction:

scorpion stings are common in different parts of the world and are a real public health problem.

Objective:

to describe scorpion species, venom characteristics, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, severity classification, diagnosis and management in the intensive care unit.

Methods:

a search for information was carried out in the period February-March 2023 in the SciELO, Scopus, PubMed/MedLine databases, the Google Scholar search engine, as well as in the ClinicalKeys services. The resulting documents were selected from those written in the last 10 years, in Spanish or English.

Development: There are approximately 2584 species of scorpions. The species Tityus (Tityus) sorataensis was described for Bolivia. Scorpion venoms have been studied for more than a century. The main clinical manifestations: urticarial plaques, swelling, erythema, ecchymosis and cellulitis with edema. Systemic manifestations range from one to two days after envenomation and may develop systemic signs: fever, pallor, fatigue, generalized edema. Diagnosis is based on a history of a scorpion sting and characteristic signs of envenomation. Treatment can be empirical, applying general measures, pain management and if some complications such as pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock are present, management in an intensive care unit is necessary

Conclusions:

intoxication by scorpion sting is a therapeutic challenge. It is advisable to administer antivenom together with supportive treatment. A better knowledge of scorpions may encourage interest in further research.

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