Study of risk factors and treatment methods in patients presenting with epistaxis to a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Epistaxis is a common otorhinolaryngological condition. It is often self-limiting, and only 6-10% of individuals seek medical care. Epistaxis is common in children and elderly. It is commonly of anterior type, originating from the Kieselbach plexus following trauma. It can be posterior type, usually in the elderly. Various treatment options are available such as nasal packing, hemocoagulase, cautery, embolization, etc. The causative factors, types of epistaxis and the treatment options employed are variable. Objectives: The present study was conducted to know the common type of epistaxis requiring medical attention in the patients attending our tertiary care hospital, the treatment commonly provided and the outcome. Methods: Retrospective observational hospital-based study design was used. Data of patients of all age groups and both genders newly presenting with epistaxis to the emergency department from October 2017 to September 2018 were included. Details of causative risk factors, types of epistaxis and treatment given along with the outcome were collected and analyzed. Result: Among the 60 patients studied, 44 were male and 16 were female. Anterior epistaxis (75%) was commoner than posterior epistaxis (25%). Predominant causative risk factors for anterior epistaxis were trauma (56%) and conditions with low platelet counts (31%), while hypertension (93%) was the commonest causative risk factor associated with posterior epistaxis. Nasal packing was used to stop epistaxis in 62% of patients irrespective of the cause (51% of anterior epistaxis and 93% of posterior epistaxis). Conclusion: Anterior type of epistaxis is common following trauma or platelet disorders. Nasal packing is used as an effective treatment, followed by hemocoagulase and cautery for epistaxis.

Keywords

• epistaxis
• causative risk factors
• nasal packing
• platelet disorders