Abstracts of 2022 Middle East and North Africa Toxicology Association (MENATOX) Conference (11–14 May 2022, Muscat, Oman)

Abstract

Injuries by marine creatures are a common presentation to Oman’s emergency departments (EDs). However, despite the difference in the marine fauna globally, there is no study on marine envenomation in Oman. We conducted a retrospective chart review of marine envenomation cases that presented to the ED at Khoula hospital, one of the main tertiary hospitals in Oman, between 2018 and 2019. We included patients of all ages who presented with injury secondary to contact with a marine creature. Multiple parameters were recorded, including causative creatures, symptoms, and medications. A total of 78 cases were included in this study, the majority (67.9%) were adults (18–64 years), and 82.1% were males. sea urchins accounted for most envenomations (52.6%). the pain was the most common presenting symptom (65.4%). the most common medication received in the ED was tetanus toxoid with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being the most prescribed medication on discharge. blood tests were obtained in seven patients. Imaging was done in 19 patients and X-ray was the most commonly ordered modality. All patients were discharged home on their first visit. six of the patients re-attended the ED for different reasons. Male adults were the most affected victims by marine envenomations in Oman. sea urchins accounted for most envenomations. None of the patients developed life-threatening symptoms.