Hypertension in patients presenting with epistaxis

[Management of ear, nose and throat emergencies]

Emergency situations involving the ears, nose, and throat (ENT) area can pose considerable challenges for clinicians and often require an interdisciplinary approach due to the involvement of different organ systems. To avoid damage to highly relevant sensory and perception organs and life-threatening bleeding or respiratory complications, strategies that are as quick and targeted as possible are necessary. This article aims to provide an overview of ENT emergency management strategies. The entire spectrum from simple conservative to highly complex surgical measures plays a role here, both diagnostically and therapeutically. Aspects such as bleeding, respiratory problems, inflammation, hearing disorders, vertigo, facial palsy and injuries to the head and neck area are discussed. In addition, important topics such as preventive measures and possible complications are also addressed to ensure optimal patient care.

Levamisole, a cocaine cutting agent, induces acute and subchronic systemic alterations in Wistar rats

The use of the anthelmintic levamisole as a cocaine adulterant has been increasing worldwide. Complications caused by this association include systemic vasculitis, agranulocytosis, neutropenia, tissue necrosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and renal injury. Data about toxicity of levamisole are scarce, therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxic effects of levamisole in rats. Male Wistar rats received saline or levamisole by intraperitoneal route at the doses of 12, 24 and 36 mg/kg in the acute toxicity test; and at 3, 6 and 12 mg/kg in the subchronic toxicity test. Toxicity was evaluated using behavioral, cognitive, renal, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Acute administration of levamisole caused behavioral and histopathological alterations. Subchronic administration caused behavioral, cognitive and hematological alterations (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively), impairment of liver and kidney functions (p < 0.05), and changes of antioxidant defenses (p ≤ 0.0001). Both administrations produced toxic effects of clinical relevance, which make levamisole a dangerous cutting agent. Furthermore, the knowledge of these effects can contribute to the correct diagnosis and treatment of cocaine dependents with unusual systemic alterations.

[Risk profile analysis of stationary epistaxis patients]

BACKGROUND

 Epistaxis is a disease well known to general practitioners and ENT specialists in the outpatient sector as well as in hospitals. The aim of this study was to analyze data of patients that were treated as inpatients at the ENT university hospital Freiburg between 2014-2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This retrospective study analyzes data of admitted patients with epistaxis regarding age, medication, bleeding site, underlying health conditions, radiological imaging and treatment. Risk factors for longer inpatient length of stay and readmission were identified.

RESULTS

 Median length of stay was 3.5 days. 55 % of the patients suffered from posterior epistaxis. 72.3 % of patients were treated with anticoagulants at the time of admission. The most prevalent medical conditions were hypertension (66 %) and arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation (36.1 %). 63.5 % of the patients were treated by nasal packing. 97 patients (14.6 %) had to be treated surgically. Surgical treatment, transfusion, posterior epistaxis and anticoagulant treatment were risk factors for longer length of inpatient stay. Preexisting hypertension, posterior bleeding and single anticoagulant treatment increased the risk of readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

 Determination and consideration of risk factors allow identification of patients at risk of longer inpatient length of stay and readmission. Adequate management accounting for risk profiles of patients could help reduce morbidity.

The role of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation in the management of persistent epistaxis - A 15-year single-center experience

PURPOSE

Managing persistent epistaxis poses a great challenge for the otolaryngologist. Despite continuous development in treatment methods, no universal guideline has been commonly adopted. Among the popular methods is endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (ESPAL). This study aims to evaluate the impact of ESPAL integration on persistent epistaxis management over 15 years in a single academic center.

METHODS

A retrospective study including all cases who were hospitalized due to persistent epistaxis and required intervention between 2000 and 2016. From 2011, ESPAL was routinely utilized in our center, hence the study population was divided based on admission year, prior to 2011 (pre-ESPAL) and from 2011 till the end of data collection (post-ESPAL).

RESULTS

The pre-ESPAL group included 87 interventions and the post-ESPAL group 54 interventions. Electrocautery remained the most common intervention in both periods. However, ESPAL incorporation was accompanied by a significant decline in the use of posterior nasal packing in the post-ESPAL group. The hemoglobin recovery levels and the mortality rates were significantly improved in the post-ESPAL group compared with the pre-ESPAL group despite higher comorbidity rates among the post-ESPAL patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the shifting trend in managing persistent epistaxis, and suggests that ESPAL has successfully replaced posterior nasal packing. These findings may encourage clinicians to consider ESPAL as a valuable tool in the management of persistent epistaxis.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Blood Pressure Control and Epistaxis Recurrence After Achieving Effective Hemostasis in the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Epistaxis is the most common cause of otorhinolaryngologic emergencies. There is a longstanding controversy regarding the relationship between epistaxis and hypertension (HTN), in terms of blood pressure (BP) control in the emergency department (ED) setting. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between HTN, BP control, and recurrent epistaxis among patients initially admitted to the ED for epistaxis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the EDs of three different hospitals in Taiwan and included a total of 739 patients admitted for epistaxis.

RESULTS

Among ED patients with epistaxis, older age was significantly associated with a history of HTN, and a statistically significant difference in age was noted between groups classified according to the systolic BP/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) at triage. Patients with a history of HTN had higher BP values at triage than did patients without a history of HTN (SBP: 175.68 ± 32.30 mmHg vs. 148.00 ± 26.26 mmHg, DBP: 95.04 ± 20.98 mmHg vs. 83.30 ± 16.65 mmHg; p < 0.0001). Antihypertensive medications were more commonly administered to patients with a history of HTN (p < 0.0001) and in those patients with SBP/DBP: ≥ 140/≥ 90 mmHg at triage (p < 0.0001). Among patients receiving antihypertensive medications, reductions in SBP by the time of discharge were significantly greater in patients with a history of HTN and in patients with SBP/DBP: ≥ 160/≥ 100 mmHg at triage. ED revisits due to recurrent epistaxis within 72 hours were significantly associated with male sex, a positive history of HTN, level of GOT, observation for recurrent epistaxis at ED, and duration of recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive history of HTN is related to recurrent epistaxis among ED patients. The effectiveness of administering antihypertensive agents before achieving hemostasis in patients admitted to the ED for epistaxis warrants further study.

Screening for hypertension in adults during emergency department consultation: a systematic review

A large proportion of patients affected with hypertension go undetected. A systematic review was conducted to assess the performance of a screening strategy in adults using blood pressure measurement at the time of an emergency department consultation. A systematic literature search on Embase, CINHAL and Medline was carried out. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Intervention studies with adults including at least one blood pressure measurement for all participants were included. A repeat blood pressure assessment had to have been carried out to assess the validity of the elevated blood pressure value within the next few days after the emergency department initial visit. Out of 1030 articles identified, published between 1985 and 2018, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. There were no randomized clinical trials. Mean age of participants was 51.6 years. A single study reports that blood pressure screening was measured according to hypertension guidelines referred to in the study. The average follow-up rate was 61.9% (95% confidence interval 45.5-78.3). For diagnostic confirmation, four studies used a blood pressure measurement method based on the reported guidelines. Half of the patients (50.2%) with elevated blood pressure during the emergency department visit had blood pressure corresponding to uncontrolled elevated blood pressure at follow-up measurement. The contribution of emergency department to the screening for hypertension, by recognizing the presence of elevated blood pressure and then making a referral for diagnostic confirmation, could provide an opportunity to detect a large number of people with hypertension.

Improving efficiency in epistaxis transfers in a large health system: Analyzing emergency department treatment variability as pretext for a clinical care pathway

INTRODUCTION

Epistaxis is a common condition with an estimated $100 million in health care costs annually. A significant portion of this stems from Emergency Department (ED) management and hospital transfers. Currently there is no data in the literature clearly depicting the differences in treatment of epistaxis between Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians and Otolaryngologists. Clinical care pathways (CCP) are a way to standardize care and increase efficiency. Our goal was to evaluate the variability in epistaxis management between EM and Otolaryngology physicians in order to determine the potential impact of a system wide clinical care pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case study was conducted of all patients transferred between emergency departments for epistaxis over an 18-month period. Exclusion criteria comprised patients under 18 years old, recent sinonasal surgery, bleeding disorders, and recent facial trauma.

RESULTS

73 patients met inclusion criteria. EM physicians used nasal cautery in 8%, absorbable packing in 1% and non-absorbable packing in 92% (with 33% being bilateral). In comparison, Otolaryngologists used nasal cautery in 37%, absorbable packing in 34%, and non-absorbable packing in 23%. Eighty percent of patients treated by an Otolaryngology physician required less invasive intervention than previously performed by EM physicians prior to transfer.

CONCLUSIONS

Epistaxis management varied significantly between Emergency Medicine and Otolaryngology physicians. Numerous patients were treated immediately with non-absorbable packing. On post-transfer Otolaryngology evaluation, many of these patients required less invasive interventions. This study highlights the variability of epistaxis treatment within our hospital system and warrants the need for a standardized care pathway.

Epistaxis: The demographics, etiology, management, and predictors of outcome in Jos, North-Central Nigeria

Background

Epistaxis, though a mere nuisance can have life-threatening consequences. This first study from Jos on epistaxis aims to determine its sociodemographic characteristics, causes, the treatment modalities and the predictors of patient outcome.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review.

Methods

Health records of patients that met the inclusion criteria for epistaxis at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, between February 2011 and December 2015 were retrieved manually using standardized codes in the International Classification of Diseases 10^th revision and studied for age, gender, associated comorbidities, treatment modalities offered, and outcome of treatment.

Results

We managed 154 patients. Records of 92 patients were retrievable aged between 1 and 85 years (Mean = 37.7; standard deviation ± 16.2) with male to female ratio of 2.3:1. Patients in the third decade were the largest group. The most common cause was idiopathic. Anterior nasal bleeding occurred in 51.1%, posterior nasal bleeding in 34.8%. Conservative management was effective in 84.8%. Etiological factors other than chronic liver disease and otolaryngological malignancies showed statistically significant association with good patient outcomes (P = 0.013, P = 0.044, and P = 0.026, respectively). A mortality rate of 5.4% was recorded.

Conclusion

Epistaxis of idiopathic origin occurring mostly in young males is the most common with most resolving on conservative management. Early hospital presentation, normal blood pressure at presentation and all management modalities were positive predictors of outcome in our patients.

Severe spontaneous epistaxis: retrospective study in a tertiary ENT centre

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical profile and outcomes of different treatment strategies in patients hospitalized for spontaneous severe epistaxis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective descriptive study of a case series of patients hospitalized for epistaxis in the University Hospital of Ghent between 2005 and 2012.

RESULTS

124 patients with, respectively, 132 episodes were included. 64% were male. The mean age was 65 years. 73% had comorbidities of which arterial hypertension was the most common. 61% were taking one or more antithrombotics and in 25.7% a recent change in the medication schedule took place. 47% of the episodes necessitated a vascular intervention. The most performed surgery was endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation. The 1-year success rate of conservative treatment was 47% and of vascular intervention 81%. No significant difference between the recurrence rates and need for vascular intervention of the different comorbidities and medications was detected using Pearson chi-squared and Fisher's exact testing. The overall 5-year survival rate was 83.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The typical pattern of a patient presenting with severe epistaxis was a patient in the sixth decade, male, suffering from comorbidities and taking one or more antithrombotic agents. Based on the above-mentioned success rates of the different treatment options, we think all centres treating epistaxis should apply a well-defined protocol to guide the decision when to proceed with surgery. Furthermore, prospective research needs to precisely investigate the role played by comorbidities and their treatment in the occurrence of epistaxis and to test the effectiveness of proposed algorithms.

The significance of atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients with epistaxis

BACKGROUND

The relationship between hypertension and epistaxis is controversial and poorly understood. The present research investigated atherosclerosis as a potential risk factor in hypertensive patients with epistaxis.

METHODS

A prospective study of 141 hypertensive patients with epistaxis was conducted. The laboratory tests included full blood count, lipid profile and coagulation profile. All patients underwent funduscopic examination of the eye and were classified in terms of four retinopathy grades.

RESULTS

There were strong positive correlations between the number of nosebleeds and retinopathy grade and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. There were weak correlations between the number of nosebleeds and blood pressure readings and triglycerides levels. Patients with grade III retinopathy, suggesting atherosclerosis, suffered from more frequent nosebleeds than other patients.

CONCLUSION

Atherosclerosis is one of the potential risk factors in hypertensive patients with epistaxis. This may have an impact on treatment choices.

Initial assessment in the management of adult epistaxis: systematic review

Background:

The initial assessment of epistaxis patients commonly includes: first aid measures, observations, focused history taking, and clinical examinations and investigations. This systematic review aimed to identify evidence that informs how the initial assessment of these patients should be conducted.

Method:

A systematic review of the literature was performed using a standardised methodology and search strategy.

Results:

Seventeen articles were included. Factors identified were: co-morbidity, intrinsic patient factors, coagulation screening and ice pack use. Hypertension and anticoagulant use were demonstrated to adversely affect outcomes. Coagulation screening is useful in patients on anticoagulant medication. Four studies could not be accessed. Retrospective methodology and insufficient statistical analysis limit several studies.

Conclusion:

Sustained ambulatory hypertension, anticoagulant therapy and posterior bleeding may be associated with recurrent epistaxis, and should be recorded. Oral ice pack use may decrease severity and can be considered as first aid. Coagulation studies are appropriate for patients with a history of anticoagulant use or bleeding diatheses.

Risk factors for the occurrence of epistaxis: Prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Analyse and compare the characteristics of patients with epistaxis admitted to the otolaryngology emergency department with those provided by a control group. Establish a model to identify epistaxis predictive factors.

METHODS

Prospective analysis of 283 consecutive adults, admitted to the otolaryngology emergency department of a tertiary referral centre between 25 January and 25 February 2014. Comparison of gender, age, co-morbidities, usual medication, history of epistaxis or nasal trauma, presence of septal deviation and blood pressure value on admission, between the elements that were admitted to the emergency due to epistaxis (group 1) and a group composed of patients with other symptoms (group 2). Intergroup variations were analyzed using t student and chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression and a receiver operating characteristic curve were used to establish a predictive model and test its suitability.

RESULTS

Male gender (OR=2.57, 95% CI 1.1-6.0, p=0.029), older age (OR=1.03, 95% CI 1.0-1.1, p=0.002), existence of peripheral vascular disease (OR=13.47, 95% CI 1.9-95.3, p=0.009), cardiovascular disease (OR=3.91, 95% CI 1.6-9.7, p=0.003) and previous history of epistaxis (OR=5.53, 95% CI 2.5-12.1, p<0.001) were predictors of epistaxis when adjusted for the presence of elevated blood pressure, history of hypertension, cerebrovascular disease and chronic use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. The model revealed a good applicability (area under the curve of 0.852).

CONCLUSIONS

The only predictive factors of admission to the emergency department due to epistaxis were male gender, older age, peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular disease and history of epistaxis.

Association between Hypertension and Epistaxis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective Whether there is an association or a cause-and-effect relationship between epistaxis and hypertension is a subject of longstanding controversy. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the association between epistaxis and hypertension and to verify whether hypertension is an independent risk factor of epistaxis. Data Sources A comprehensive search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Review Methods The review was performed according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Results We screened 2768 unique studies and selected 10 for this meta-analysis. Overall, the risk of epistaxis was significantly increased for patients with hypertension (odds ratio, 1.532 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.181-1.986]; number needed to treat, 14.9 [95% CI, 12.3-19.0]). Results of the Q test and I² statistics suggested considerable heterogeneity ([Formula: see text] = 0.038, I² = 49.3%). The sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding 1 study at a time, and it revealed no change in statistical significance. Conclusion Although this meta-analysis had some limitations, our study demonstrated that hypertension was significantly associated with the risk of epistaxis. However, since this association does not support a causal relationship between hypertension and epistaxis, further clinical trials with large patient populations will be required to determine the impact of hypertension on epistaxis.

Managing epistaxis

An estimated 60% of the population will have a nosebleed in their lifetime, and 6% will require medical intervention. Uncontrolled nasal bleeding can lead to hypovolemia and airway compromise. Understanding prevention and management of epistaxis is especially important to clinicians who manage patients on anticoagulants, supplemental oxygen therapy, or who have other risk factors for epistaxis. This article reviews stepwise management for epistaxis and newer treatment options in adults.

Lethal Epistaxis

Epistaxis or nosebleed refers to bleeding from the nostrils, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Occasional cases may present with torrential lethal hemorrhage. Three cases are reported to demonstrate particular features: Case 1: A 51-year-old woman with lethal epistaxis with no obvious bleeding source; Case 2: A 77-year-old man with treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma who died from epistaxis arising from a markedly neovascularized tumor bed; Case 3: A 2-year-old boy with hemophilia B who died from epistaxis with airway obstruction in addition to gastrointestinal bleeding. Epistaxis may be associated with trauma, tumors, vascular malformations, bleeding diatheses, infections, pregnancy, endometriosis, and a variety of different drugs. Careful dissection of the nasal cavity is required to locate the site of hemorrhage and to identify any predisposing conditions. This may be guided by postmortem computerized tomographic angiography (PCTA). Despite careful dissection, however, a source of bleeding may never be identified.

The long-term fate of epistaxis patients with exposure to antithrombotic medication

The goal of this study was to evaluate independent risk factors for long-term epistaxis recurrences and their severity. Individual retrospective cohort study-2b level of evidence. The medical information of 603 emergency epistaxis patients was acquired during a former study. This cohort has been contacted 6 years later by conventional mail and asked to answer a specific paper questionnaire. The following parameters were evaluated: recurrent epistaxis episodes, need for a surgical intervention to stop the recurrent bleeding, patient's history for hypertension and diabetes, intake of hemostasis impairing medication now and in the past. One hundred and six (106) patients were included in the study (35.8 % response rate). The mean observation period was 76.58 months. Almost half of the patients (41.5 % = 44/106) reported at least one recurrent epistaxis episode. Patients with exposure to VKA (vitamin K antagonists) showed significantly more frequently a recurrent epistaxis episode. The binary logistic regression confirmed the intake of VKA as an independent and significant risk factor with an odds ratio of 11.6. Every single patient who had to undergo a surgical intervention to stop a recurrent bleeding stated ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) intake. We provide evidence that the intake of a vitamin K antagonist is an independent long-term risk factor for recurrent epistaxis episodes. The intake of ASA is a risk factor for the severity of recurrent epistaxis with the increased need for a surgical intervention not only in a short- but also in a long-term perspective.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This prognostic investigation, designed as a combined prospective and retrospective cohort study, reaches level 2b level of evidence as it includes retrospective aspects.

Does the continuation of warfarin change management outcomes in epistaxis patients?

Objective:

This study aimed to compare management, readmission rates and length of in-patient stay amongst warfarinised and non-warfarinised patients to ascertain future treatment protocols.

Methods:

A 12-month retrospective review was conducted of ENT epistaxis admissions. Admission details such as length of in-patient stay, clotting profile and management plan were recorded. Comparisons of management and outcome for warfarinised and non-warfarinised patients were made using the Fisher's exact paired t-test.

Results:

Of 176 epistaxis patients admitted, 31 per cent were warfarinised, 18 per cent were on another form of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, and 51 per cent were not on any medication that might impose a bleeding risk. The international normalised ratio at admission was high in 13 per cent of warfarinised patients; the remaining patients had therapeutic or sub-therapeutic international normalised ratios and so warfarin was continued. The mean in-patient stay was similar for all cohorts; however, warfarinised patients had a higher readmission rate.

Conclusion:

Warfarinised epistaxis patients may be safely managed without stopping their anticoagulation therapy, provided their international normalised ratio is at therapeutic or sub-therapeutic levels. By continuing regular anticoagulation therapy, warfarinised patients may be discharged without delay.

Antidote stocking in British Columbia hospitals

Introduction:

Previous studies have demonstrated that antidotes are insufficiently stocked in Canadian and US health care facilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of antidote stocking in British Columbia hospitals based on the current guidelines.

Methods:

A written survey was mailed to hospital pharmacy directors at all 93 acute care facilities in BC. Availability of 14 essential antidotes was classified as sufficient or insufficient based on the current guidelines. Facilities were stratified into small (&lt;50 beds), medium (50–250 beds) or large (&gt;250 beds); teaching or non-teaching; trauma or non-trauma, urban or rural, and isolated or non-isolated.

Results:

Complete responses were received from 75 (81%) of 93 hospitals. No hospital had adequate stock of all 14 antidotes. Overall, the average number (± standard deviation) of antidotes adequately stocked was 4.2 ± 2.9 per hospital. Urban hospitals had adequate stocks of 6.5 ± 2.6 antidotes while rural centres had adequate stocks of 2.6 ± 1.8 (p &lt; 0.001). Corresponding figures were 9.0 ± 1.8 for teaching hospitals vs. 3.7 ± 2.4 for non-teaching hospitals (p &lt; 0.001), 8.9 ± 2.0 for trauma centres vs. 3.8 ± 2.5 non-trauma centres (p &lt; 0.001), and 2.5 ± 2.1 for isolated hospitals vs. 4.6 ± 2.9 for non-isolated hospitals (p = 0.018). Small, medium, and large hospitals adequately stocked 2.3 ± 1.7, 5.7 ± 2.2, and 7.7 ± 3.0 antidotes, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). The 4 antidotes most adequately stocked were sodium bicarbonate (77%), N-acetylcysteine (64%), ethanol (49%) and naloxone (47%). Digoxin immune Fab fragments, glucagon, pyridoxine and rattlesnake antivenin were poorly stocked with sufficient supplies of 5%, 7%, 7% and 13%, respectively.

Conclusion:

BC hospitals do not have adequate antidote stocks. Provincial stocking guidelines and coordination of antidote purchasing and stocking are necessary to correct these deficiencies.

Is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease a risk factor for epistaxis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has customarily been associated with increased surgical morbidity and mortality rates after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between epistaxis and COPD after CABG surgery.

Methods

There were 3 443 patients who consecutively underwent isolated CABG from January 2002 to March 2012. We retrospectively analysed the data of 27 patients (0.8%) with newly developed and serious spontaneous epistaxis, which required consultation with the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Department. The patients were divided into three groups according to severity of nasal bleeding. Twenty-one (77.7%) patients in the three groups had COPD.

Results

There were 19 males (70%) and eight females (30%). Their ages ranged between 52 and 72 years (mean 61 ± 5). Fifty-five per cent of the patients had hypertension and 78% had COPD. The overall duration of hospital stay was six to 11 days (mean 7.9 ± 1.1). Epistaxis was seen particularly on the fourth and seventh days postoperatively and 17 patients (63%) were treated with anterior, posterior, or anterior and posterior nasal packing (group 1). Nasal bleeding was controlled with electrocautery in six patients (22%) (group 2), and four (15%) were treated with surgical excision and blood transfusions (group 3). All patients (100%) had a good recovery with no mortality.

Conclusion

The high coincidence between epistaxis and COPD made us wonder whether COPD may be a risk factor for epistaxis after CABG surgery. However, we could not find any direct causative link between COPD and epistaxis in patients who had undergone CABG. Epistaxis was more common in patients with COPD and it was more serious clinically in patients who had both COPD and hypertension.

Relationship between epistaxis and hypertension: A cause and effect or coincidence?

Introduction

Epistaxis is the most common otorhinolaryngological emergency. Whether there is an association or cause and effect relationship between epistaxis and hypertension is a subject of longstanding controversy.

Objective

The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between epistaxis and hypertension.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted at Olaya Medical Center (Riyadh) during the period between May 2013 and June 2014. A total of 80 patients were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 40 patients who presented with epistaxis, and Group B consisted of 40 patients who served as a control group. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed for all patients. Patients were followed up for a period of three months.

Results

Readings of blood pressure (BP) were similar between the two groups regarding BP at presentation, ABPM, and BP at three months. There was a higher number of attacks in patients with history of hypertension. There was highly significant positive correlation between number of attacks of epistaxis and BP readings. Systolic BP at presentation was higher in patients who needed more complex interventions such as pack, balloon or cautery than those managed by first aid.

Conclusion

We found no definite association between epistaxis and hypertension. Epistaxis was not initiated by high BP but was more difficult to control in hypertensive patients.

Incidence, risk factors and management of severe post-transsphenoidal epistaxis

Among the major complications of transsphenoidal surgery, less attention has been given to severe postoperative epistaxis, which can lead to devastating consequences. In this study, we reviewed 551 consecutive patients treated over a 4 year period by the senior author to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, etiology and management of immediate and delayed post-transsphenoidal epistaxis. Eighteen patients (3.3%) developed significant postoperative epistaxis - six immediately and 12 delayed (mean postoperative day 10.8). Fourteen patients harbored macroadenomas (78%) and 11 of 18 (61.1%) had complex nasal/sphenoid anatomy. In the immediate epistaxis group, 33% had acute postoperative hypertension. In the delayed group, one had an anterior ethmoidal pseudoaneurysm, and one had restarted anticoagulation on postoperative day 3. We treated the immediate epistaxis group with bedside nasal packing followed by operative re-exploration if conservative measures were unsuccessful. The delayed group underwent bedside nasal hemostasis; if unsuccessful, angiographic embolization was performed. After definitive treatment, no patients had recurrent epistaxis.

High-Risk Patients with Hypertension: Clinical Management Options

Hypertension, one of the most common human diseases worldwide, affects nearly 1 billion individuals. Complaints related to hypertension are commonly evaluated and treated in the acute care settings such as emergency departments and acute care medical clinics. The evaluation, treatment, and disposition of these patients require thorough knowledge of potential complications and treatment options. This manuscript details a structured approach to evaluating high-risk patients with acute hypertension-related complaints and provides recommendations for treatment and disposition.

Is epistaxis associated with arterial hypertension? A systematic review of the literature

Both epistaxis and hypertension are frequent problems in the adult population. The relationship between the level of arterial pressure and incidence of epistaxis in a patient with hypertension is a question that appears frequently in the clinical practice. A systematic review of the literature regarding the relation of arterial hypertension with epistaxis was performed through MEDLINE and EMBASE. All studies, whether examining the correlation of arterial pressure at presentation of a patient with nasal bleeding or the repercussion of episodes of epistaxis in hypertensive patients, were included in this review. Studies were evaluated independently by two reviewers according to a standard evaluation form. Overall, nine studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Five of them were single-group (patient) studies, while the remaining four included a control group. In eight studies, the patient group included patients with epistaxis, while one focused on hypertensive patients. Six out of nine studies agree that arterial pressure is higher at the time of epistaxis, as compared to the control group or to the general population. Seven out of nine studies conclude that there is cross-correlation between arterial pressure and the actual incident of epistaxis. The presence of high arterial blood pressure during the actual episode of nasal bleeding cannot establish a causative relationship with epistaxis, because of confounding stress and possible white coat phenomenon, but may lead to initial diagnosis of an already installed arterial hypertension.

Epistaxis and hemostatic devices

Epistaxis is a common medical problem that rarely requires surgical intervention. However, when medical or surgical intervention is required, epistaxis can sometimes be difficult to control. Knowledge of nasopharyngeal anatomy is absolutely essential to the proper management of epistaxis. This article begins with a discussion of the essential anatomy of the region and the basic epidemiology of epistaxis, followed by a review of initial treatment as well as devices and procedures specifically designed for the control of epistaxis. Advances and new devices for the control of epistaxis are described.

Serious spontaneous epistaxis and hypertension in hospitalized patients

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of hypertension in patients hospitalized for serious spontaneous epistaxis. This 6-year retrospective study was based on 219 patients hospitalized in a University Hospital ENT and Head and Neck surgery department for serious spontaneous epistaxis. The following parameters were recorded: length of hospital stay, history of hypertension, blood pressure (BP) recordings (on admission, during hospitalization and on discharge), epistaxis severity criteria, including medical and/or surgical management of epistaxis (blood transfusion depending on blood count, embolization, surgery), medications affecting clotting. Epistaxis was classified into two groups: serious and severe. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, sex ratio, history of epistaxis and BP characteristics including history of hypertension, mean BP on admission, mean arterial pressure on discharge and number of patients in whom BP was difficult to control. Patients with more severe epistaxis had a similar exposure to anticoagulant and platelet antiaggregant medications as patients with less severe epistaxis. Overall, on univariate logistic regression analysis, no factors were independently associated with severity of epistaxis. The pathophysiology of serious spontaneous epistaxis remains to be unclear. It concerns elderly patients (>60-70 years old) with a history of hypertension in about 50% of cases. Serious spontaneous epistaxis may also be the presenting sign of underlying true hypertension in about 43% of patients with no history of hypertension. However, hypertension per se does not appear to be a statistically significant causal factor and/or a factor of severity of serious spontaneous epistaxis.

Evaluating and managing the patient with nosebleeds

Epistaxis is a common clinical problem often seen by primary care physicians. This can be caused by multiple factors, each of which should be explored to treat the epistaxis and prevent recurrences. In this article, etiologies and methods of evaluation for the patient with epistaxis are discussed. Treatment strategies are outlined in a stepwise fashion, as are recommendations for situations requiring referral to an otolaryngologist.

Clinical features of epistaxis in dogs: a retrospective study of 35 cases (1999-2002)

Epistaxis was retrospectively evaluated in 35 dogs. Systemic disease was diagnosed in seven dogs and intranasal disease in 29. Nineteen dogs with intranasal disease had neoplasia. Dogs with neoplasia were older (mean 10.0 years) than dogs with nonneoplastic intranasal disease (mean 5.6 years). Signs persisting for >1 month occurred more often in dogs with intranasal than systemic disease. Unilateral epistaxis did not distinguish intranasal from systemic disease. Only dogs with intranasal disease had facial deformity, decreased airflow, or regional sub-mandibular lymphadenopathy. Dogs with systemic disease had a lower packed cell volume (mean 31.8%) than dogs with intranasal disease (mean 42.7%).

Research for bleeding tendency in patients presenting with significant epistaxis

To evaluate the association of inherited coagulopathies and acquired conditions (e.g. hypertension, aspirin use) with emergency department admission due to epistaxis. Patients admitted to the emergency department with epistaxis were included. A questionnaire for personal and family history of any bleeding disorder was used. Physical examination including ear, nose and throat examination was performed. Platelet counts, International Normalized Ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, factors VIII, IX and XI, von Willebrand factor and ristocetin cofactor activity levels were determined. Nineteen patients were included in the study. Personal history of mucocutaneous bleeding was present in four cases and family history in two cases. Only one case (5%) had a decreased von Willebrand factor level (45%), and also had a personal and family history of bleeding tendency. Ten patients (53%) had a history of aspirin use. Thirteen (68%) patients had hypertensive values on admission. Aspirin use and hypertension were the leading causes of emergency service admission in adults due to epistaxis in this study, although the number of the patients was relatively low. Regarding the low prevalence of inherited coagulopathies, detailed coagulation tests should be reserved for adult patients with positive personal and/or family history of bleeding.

Influence of arterial hypertension treated with losartan on skin healing in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of Losartan in skin healing repair. METHODS: One hundred and eleven male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups, at random. Group I (n=31) underwent a laparotomy to induce hypertension by stenosis of the left renal artery, and 48 hours later it received Losartan (10 mg/Kg) daily. Group II (n=30) went through the same procedure and received isotonic saline solution. Group III (n=30) underwent a simulated laparotomy. Group IV (n=20) to confirm the induced hypertension method. Ketamine and Xylazin anesthesia was used in every painful/stressful procedure. After 15 days, skin healing repair was studied by a dorsal midline skin incision and second layer-skin incision in groups I, II and III, that was sutured in one layer with 4-0 nylon suture. Samples of the dorsal wall scar were taken 4, 7 and 14 days after the last procedure, and sent to strength and displacement analysis and histological preparation. RESULTS: By the 4th and 7th days of the analysis, group II scars showed to be less resistant than group III scars (p<0,05). The total amount of collagen was higher in group III on the three studied periods. The percentage occupied by total collagen in the wound area, on the 14th day, was lower in group I, due to its lower percentage of type I collagen CONCLUSION: Scars treated with Losartan were initially less resistant and had a lower collagen deposition.

Lack of relationship between hypertension-associated symptoms and blood pressure in hypertensive ED patients

A number of cardiopulmonary and neurological symptoms are presumed to be associated with hypertension. We examined the prevalence of these symptoms in ED patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) and studied the relationship between symptom prevalence and BP value. We enrolled consecutive adult ED patients with sustained BP elevation (systolic BP>or=140 mm Hg, diastolic BP>or=90 mm Hg). BP values were categorized according to Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, 6th Report criteria. Elevated BP was noted in 551 (29%) of 1908 patients. Unprompted complaints of hypertension-associated symptoms were noted in 26%, and there was no association between BP category and complaints other than dyspnea. Symptom interviews were conducted in 294 (56%) patients; 68% of this subset noted >or=1 current hypertension-associated symptom with no relationship between symptom prevalence and BP category. We conclude that symptoms putatively associated with hypertension are common among ED patients with elevated BP, and their prevalence appears unrelated to BP value.

Epistaxis

Epistaxis is a frequent complaint, and may often cause great anxiety in patients and clinicians. Epistaxis results from the interaction of factors that damage the nasal mucosal lining, affect the vessel walls, or alter the coagulability of the blood, and which may be categorized into environmental, local, systemic and medication related. The knowledge of the first aid treatment of epistaxis is very poor, amongst not only the public, but also health professionals. Immediate emergency department management of epistaxis depends on prioritized assessment and treatment, including resuscitation if necessary, together with the application of relatively simple otolaryngological techniques. There is little high quality evidence regarding routine, alternative or adjunctive treatments.

Caspase 3 Activation in Nasal Capillary in Patients with Epistaxis

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether an apoptosis of nasal microvessels contributes to probable mechanism of the onset of epistaxis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Nasal septal mucosa of Little's areas taken from patients without (n = 19) and with (n = 26) epistaxis were examined. Active caspase-3 in the mucosa was detected according to the methods of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. On Western blot analysis of the homogenates of the mucosa, we also sought probable signaling factors after caspase-3 activation.

RESULTS: Marked activation of caspase-3 was detected in the capillaries and its neighboring muscle cells of Little's area from patients with epistaxis, and the activation was due to enhanced expression of procaspase-3 protein and progressive cleavage of the precursor. As a result of Western blotting of signaling factors, enhanced expressions of caspase-9 and Bax protein in the homogenates of Little's area in epistaxis group were found compared with those in control group. Increased levels of cytochrome c released into a cytosol were also detected in the capillaries in epistaxis group.

CONCLUSION: In the present study, caspase-3 activation was found in the capillaries of Little's area from patients with epistaxis, suggesting that an apoptosis of capillaries may contribute to a mechanism of the onset of epistaxis. Moreover, alterations of some apoptotic factors such as caspase-9, Bax, and cytochrome c in the tissues demonstrated participation of mitochondrial disturbance in one of the apoptotic mechanisms.

SIGNIFICANCE: Further explorations of the pathobiologic mechanism of capillary apoptosis can lead not only to an identification of risk factors in the onset of epistaxis but also to the development of medical therapy of epistaxis.

Ligadura endoscópica endonasal da artéria esfenopalatina para epistaxe severa

Introdução: A epistaxe severa, geralmente associada a fatores predisponentes como hipertensão arterial sistêmica e coagulopatia, é uma doença desafiadora, e pode necessitar de uma abordagem cirúrgica nos casos que não respondem ao tratamento conservador, como cauterização e tamponamento nasal. Objetivo: avaliar os resultados da ligadura endoscópica endonasal da artéria esfenopalatina no tratamento da epistaxe severa refratária à abordagem terapêutica conservadora. Forma de estudo: Clínico prospectivo. Material e Método: foram avaliados doze casos de pacientes submetidos à ligadura endoscópica endonasal da artéria esfenopalatina no tratamento da epistaxe severa não responsiva ao tratamento conservador, observando-se a história clínica, os fatores predisponentes, a evolução e as complicações deste procedimento. Resultados: a idade média foi de 50,9 anos, e a distribuição por sexo foi de 33% do sexo feminino e 67% do sexo masculino; 33% apresentaram HAS e 16,6% coagulopatia (hepatopatia) como fatores predisponentes. Um paciente (8,3%) apresentou ressangramento após o procedimento cirúrgico. Discussão: a ligadura endoscópica endonasal da artéria esfenopalatina representa uma abordagem segura e garante um controle satisfatório do sangramento, com índice de ressangramento de 8,3% entre os nossos casos. Conclusão: a ligadura endoscópica endonasal da artéria esfenopalatina representa uma opção cirúrgica adequada, pois não apresenta as complicações das técnicas anteriores, atinge um controle satisfatório do sangramento e pode ser realizada por otorrinolaringologistas habituados à cirurgia endoscópica nasal.

Active epistaxis at ED presentation is associated with arterial hypertension

Epistaxis and hypertension are frequent in the general population, but an association is still controversial. Aim of this retrospective cohort study was to test if active epistaxis at emergency department (ED) presentation is associated with hypertension. Patients with active epistaxis at ED presentation (n = 271; 73%) were compared with controls without active bleeding (n = 101; 27%). By multivariate logistic regression modeling we found that active epistaxis was independently associated with history of hypertension (odds ratio 2.8 [95% CI 1.4 to 5.6; P =.004] adjusted for age, gender, rhinitis, diffuse bleeding, and malignant diseases). Patients with active epistaxis had higher blood pressure at presentation compared with controls (systolic blood pressure 165 v 153 mmHg, P <.001, diastolic blood pressure 85 v 77 mmHg, P <.001). Active epistaxis at ED presentation is associated with arterial hypertension.