International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (Dec 2008)
Relation of blood group with epistaxis
Abstract
Introduction: Epistaxis is one of the most common otorhinolaryngologic emergencies. Blood grouping is routinely done in patients with epistaxis. Objective: This study was done to observe the pattern and relation blood group in patients with epistaxis compared with non epistaxis patients. Method: A prospective study in 470 patients (age:20-70 years) was conducted in Department of ENT and Head and surgery, TU Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu presented between July 2004 - June 2008. Patients presenting with epistaxis were compared with patients without history of epistaxis. Blood groupings were done for both groups of patients. There were 470 patients, 235 each in group of patients. Statistical analysis was done by simple manual analysis and Chi square test. Results: Among the patients with epistaxis, blood group O distribution was present in 45.5%. While in patients without epistaxis, it was 36.5%. Most of the patients in both groups were O positive. Blood group O is significantly associated with epistaxis compared with non epistaxis patients. Conclusion: Blood group O is known to be associated with a lower expression of von Willebrand factor which plays an important role in clotting. Blood group O is more common blood group in both groups of patients. It is significantly higher in patients with epistaxis compare with non epistaxis patients. It suggests that blood group O may be a risk factor in the development of epistaxis.
