Study of clinical manifestations of scorpionism and distribution of species of scorpions in the State of Pará

• Grant number: 22/10099-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Agreement: CONFAP - National Council of State Research Support Foundations
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Oscar de Siqueira Franca
• Grantee: Francisco Oscar de Siqueira Franca
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Marcos André de Carvalho ; PASESA PASCUALA QUISPE TORREZ ; Rogerio Bertani

Abstract

Published research on scorpionism, from 2003, found that these envenomations in some regions of the state of Pará, notably in Santarém and in neighboring municipalities, present clinical characteristics that differ from scorpion accidents in other areas of the country and the world, as they present neurological manifestations compatible with acute cerebellar and muscular dysfunction, in addition to the sensation of electric shock. The present project is divided into 2 subprojects. Subproject 1 intends to evaluate the clinical manifestations of patients who are victims of scorpionism, examining the intensity, frequency, duration and evolution of these manifestations. The study will be descriptive and prospective, with a quantitative and transversal approach, and will be carried out through the application of instruments validated nationally and will be carried out in the premises of the Municipal Hospital of Santarém (regional reference), in the Municipal Hospital and in Basic Health Units of Rurópolis, both municipalities in the state of Pará. It is intended to include accidents admitted to these Health Services from September 2022 to August 2023. The instruments to be applied to patients will obtain information on epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic variables. Cerebellar ataxia assessment scales will be adapted, such as the International Cooperative Scale for Assessment of Ataxias (ICARS) and the Scale for Assessment and Grading of Ataxia (SARA), as well as scales for assessment of muscular manifestations, electric shock and pain. This study will provide scientific information that will support the most appropriate management for patients who are victims of scorpionism in the region. Subproject 2 intends to study taxonomically the Tityus obscures species complex, aiming to elucidate the possible relationship of the species, the geographical distribution, and the clinical aspects observed on different amazon regions, mainly in the State of Pará. (AU)