Background:

Bee stings produce the greatest number of accidents in many countries. Unusual systemic manifestations have been described after exposure to Hymenoptera venom. Less frequently, neurological complications, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis and renal failure have been documented. This type of systemic allergic reactions occur in 0.3-7.5% of the population.

Case report:

A 39-year- old male, logger, from the rural área of Comayagua, Honduras, had a history of suffering multiple bee stings (Apis mellifera) with a syncopal episode, trauma in parietal-forehead bilateral region and 3 hours of evolution. He was treated at a health service in Comayagua and transferred to the University School Hospital, where treatment was continued due to severe anaphylaxis and extraction of multiple stings. Later he began with stridor, cianosis and dyspnea, so endotracheal intubation was performed. Physical examination revealed significant facial edema, multiple lesions and excoriations, irregular respiratory pattern, generalized stings, and the presence of hypoventilation in both lung fields. Glasgow 13/15, generalized hyperalgesia. Laboratory tests showed leukemoid reaction, severe neutrophilia, hyperhemoglobinemia, increased nitrogen levels, elevated liver enzymes, hypoalbuminemia, hydroelectrolytic disorders and mixed acidosis. He later progressed to multiorgan failure and rhabdomyolysis (hemodynamics, ventilatory, renal), and died 48 hours after admission.

Conclusion:

The number of bites and the amount of poison inoculated are predictive factors of high mortality and low survival. The transfer in a timely manner and multidisciplinary management are essential to determine a good prognosis in these patients.