Bilateral epistaxis in children: efficacy of bilateral septal cauterization with silver nitrate.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the rate of control of epistaxis in patients with bilateral complaints using silver nitrate and to assess short-term complications from this therapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

Retrospective chart review with prospective incident case identification in a tertiary referral pediatric otolaryngology practice.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS:

Forty-six consecutive patients presenting to a single pediatric otolaryngologist with complaints of bilateral epistaxis received bilateral silver nitrate cauterization to the anterior septum and were seen in follow-up 2 months later to assess for control of epistaxis and complications from this therapy.

RESULTS:

Ninety-three percent (43/46) of patients followed-up at 2 months after therapy. About 93% (40/43) had total or near-total resolution of their epistaxis. Five percent (2/43) of patients returned to the clinic after initial successful control for a second cauterization during the period of study. No significant complications of infection, perforation, long-term crusting, tattooing or mucocutaneous or allergic reactions were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bilateral epistaxis can be treated at a single visit with bilateral silver nitrate therapy in children. This treatment is highly effective, well-tolerated, and appears to have a low rate of complications.

• Authors: T Roxanne Link, Stephen F Conley, Valerie Flanary, Joseph E Kerschner
• Journal: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 70 Issue 8 Pg. 1439-42 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0165-5876 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 16621035 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Silver Nitrate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Anti-Infective Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cautery (methods)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Epistaxis (therapy)
• Feasibility Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Nasal Septum
• Retrospective Studies
• Silver Nitrate (therapeutic use)