Effectiveness of Centruroides scorpion antivenom compared to historical controls

The results of this pragmatic study strongly support the findings of the double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial of the same antivenom. Recipients of antivenom at rural sites improved at a rate similar to that in the intensive care (ICU) setting, and historical cases resolved at a rate similar to that for untreated ICU controls. Use of antivenom in the primary care setting appeared to be safe and effective and to eliminate the need for intensive care or for transport to a tertiary care center, in all subjects prospectively studied.