Objective:  To study the demographic, entomological, clinical and treatment outcome patterns of scorpion sting in Jeddah region.

Design:  Cross sectional, center based, retrospective, case record review of 86 patients treated for scorpion sting at the emergency department of King Khalid National Guard Hospital, Jeddah during the period from January to December 2000.

Results:  Using standardized statistical methods, a sample of 86 patients were acquired for the study.  Mean age of the sample was 23.3 years with male to female ratio at 1.9:1.  99.8% were saudies.  63.9% were in first two decades of life and were students.  The number of professionally qualified victims was 1.2%.  97.7% were living in urban areas.  70% scorpion stings occurred in urban areas and accidentally in 98.8% of victims.  51.2% stings occurred during nights with 62.8% in week-ends during picnic related encounters.  The mean arrival time to hospital was 1hr 40 minutes.  All patients had local pain and 25.6% manifesting with cardiac abnormalities.  Neuromuscular involvement was witnessed in none.1.2% morbidity and no mortality.

Discussion:  Androctonus crassicauda and Leirus quinquestraitus species were the common prevalent species.  True incidence of scorpion sting in Jeddah region lacks genuine reporting from hospitals and polyclinics.  Hypertensive spells top the systemic manifestations due to over release of catecholamines.

Conclusion:  The two species of scorpions are similar to those reported from central and eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia.  Individuals with higher educational level are less prone for scorpion sting.  Scorpion sting in Jeddah regions runs a benign course with very little risk to human life.  Anti-venom is over used in primary health care centers.