Epistaxis in Ido Ekiti, Nigeria: A 5-year review of causes, treatment and outcome

Abstract

Background: Epistax is a common otorhinolaryngological emergencies worldwide. This study determined the pattern, causes/risk factors, treatment and outcome of nasal bleeding in Ido Ekiti, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients managed for epistaxis in the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, Nigeria, from January 2005 to December 2010. Information on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and management of epistaxis was obtained from the hospital medical records . Results: A total number of 69 patients with epistaxis were seen out of which 57 with complete data was studied. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. Their ages ranged from 2 to 81 years, with a mean age of 44.1 years ± 20.9 SD. There were bimodal peak age groups at 21-30 and 61-70 years. Idiopathic causes of epistaxis accounted for 42.1% followed by trauma, associated hypertension, tumors, septicemia and anticoagulant therapy. The right nasal cavity was involved in 57.9%. Anterior bleeding accounted for 43 (75.4%). Majority of our patients were managed with anterior nasal packing. Surgical measures carried out included resection/clearance of nasal tumors. About 8.8% of patients had blood transfusion. Conclusion: Idiopathic and trauma from road traffic injuries were the most common causes/risk factors for epistaxis in this study. Majority of our patients were managed conservatively with anterior nasal packing.

Keywords

• Causes
• epistaxis
• treatment