These husks are frequently handled by farmers between October and November, which accounts for the high incidence of stings during this period. There is another peak of scorpion-stings between March and June. Over half the patients, notably the young, had pulmonary edema and five patients died despite rigorous treatment with frusemide, digitalis and atropine. Pulmonary edema resulted from extensive myocarditis and gross left ventricular failure. Bawaskar studied the available literature on scorpion-stings.
Scorpion venom is a potent stimulator of the autonomic nervous system.
Studies have shown that myocardial damage following scorpion-sting results from calcium ion influx into the heart muscle cells, hence a calcium channel blocker such as nifedipine was a rational choice of treatment. Bawaskar found sublingual nifedipine very suitable, particularly in severely anxious and agitated children with poor peripheral circulation. A report by Gueron and Yaron from Israel in 1970 had shown that scorpion venom is a potent sympathetic stimulator resulting in high serum catecholamine levels. Prazosin produces decrease in preload and afterload by alpha receptor blockade. For massive life-threatening pulmonary edema, he has used a sodium nitroprusside drip.