Bee stings: Report of a Fatal Case in an Adolescent

Abstract

We report the case of a 16-year-old male adolescent weighing 60 kg who experienced massive bee sting intoxication, resulting in shock and generalized edema. Bee stings were distributed across his entire body. Documented rhabdomyolysis manifested with the highest reported creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation in less than twenty-four hours, alongside secondary acute kidney injury. Anaphylactic shock was diagnosed, and the patient received treatment with epinephrine, hydrocortisone, fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor support. Eighteen hours following the stings, the patient exhibited asystole rhythm unresponsive to resuscitation efforts and succumbed. Complications from massive bee venom intoxication often arise within the initial twenty-four hours, exhibiting diverse manifestations and potentially leading to fatality. Management of such intoxication primarily involves symptomatic and supportive care, given the unavailability of apitoxin antivenom in our region.

Keywords

• anaphylaxis
• bees
• case report