Retrospective Study on Complications of Bee Sting in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Bee stings entail allergic reactions that can be severe, sometimes even lethal. These reactions can occur immediately or several days after being stung. The aim of this study was to present the complications associated with bee sting. Material and methods: Demographic patient information and data regarding type of bee, injury site, presence of retained bee stingers, coronary angiographic examination that had been programmed because of episodes of retrosternal pain at rest and signs of myocardial ischaemia on ECG reports were collected from medical records. Results:152 patient's data were collected out of which 108 patients were male and 44 were female. Patients' age ranged widely from 30 to 80 years. 25% of the patients were aged 41-50. Local reactions were seen in 79% of the individuals.14.4% had no reactions. Conclusion: Various manifestations after bee sting have been described. Local reactions, such as pain, vomiting, myalgia, edema and swelling, are common and generally self-limiting. The chest pain abated over a few hours, and serial ECGs showed the changes of a developing myocardial infarction.

Multi-organ dysfunction following honeybee bite—A rare entity

“…[ 5 ] In a study of 152 patients of honeybee bite done by Laxmegowda et al ., bradycardia was reported in <0.7 percent patients. [ 7 ] Our case, though, had only transient bradycardia and did not require pacing. The most likely explanation for bradycardia was a transient spasm of the right coronary artery.…”

“…Mortality rates in various studies are as high as 15–25 percent. [ 7 ] Amongst all the complications, stroke,[ 6 ] and multiorgan dysfunction are extremely rare manifestations. The toxic effects of the venom are due to various substances like phospholipase A2, melittin, peptide 401, histamine, hyaluronidase, and apamine.…”

Case report of central retinal artery occlusion following bee sting injury

“…The clinical manifestations of bee sting are divided into three groups: local allergic reactions, immunological reactions usually leading to anaphylaxis, and systemic toxic reactions caused by large dose of venom from multiple bee stings. [ 1 ] The main toxic components of bee venom include biologic amines such as histamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine; nonenzymatic polypeptide toxins such as melittin, apamin (neurotoxin), peptide 401, and mast cell degranulating peptide; and high-molecular-weight enzymes such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and B (PLB) and hyaluronidase. [ 1 ]…”

“…Bee sting, a common environmental injury encountered worldwide, usually causes minor local allergic reactions and rarely anaphylactic or delayed hypersensitivity reactions due to inoculation of bee venom. [ 1 ] Systemic complications are even rare and usually result from multiple bee stings causing massive envenomation. Acute coronary syndrome, acute renal failure, stroke, and even death are reported as severe complications of multiple bee stings.…”

“…Acute coronary syndrome, acute renal failure, stroke, and even death are reported as severe complications of multiple bee stings. [ 1 2 ]…”