This is a study evaluating the efficacy of
Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) as a
hemostatic agent compared to hemostasis by
phenylephrine in patients with anterior
epistaxis. The study design is a prospective, randomized, controlled, nonblinded, clinical trial. In total, 49 patients were randomly seperated to receive hemostasis technique by means of either ABS wet tampon or
phenylephrine impregnated gauze tampon for anterior
epistaxis control. Patients were crossed over to the other technique after two unsuccessful attempts of the first technique. Measured outcomes such as number of applications, relationship of number of applications with
bleeding intensity (1 = stains on napkin, 2 = soaked napkin, 3 = bowl needed), patient discomfort during hemostasis (0 = none, 9 = unbearable), and complications were assessed. Additional data were recorded for rebleeding within 7 days. 24 of the 49 patients were assigned to the new ABS group (group I) and remaining 25 were included in the standard
phenylephrine group (group II). ABS was more effective than
phenylephrine at control of anterior
epistaxis (79.2 vs. 64%, p < 0.05). For the patients who crossed over from
phenylephrine to ABS, 44.4% achieved hemostasis by ABS. ABS successfully treated all
bleeding intensity 1 and 2 patients with one application (5 min). ABS patients experienced fewer rebleeding rates within 7 days compared to
phenylephrine patients (8.3 vs. 20%, p < 0.05). The patients for which ABS was applied, significant differences in effective control of anterior
epistaxis were observed compared to
phenylephrine. ABS is effective, safe, quick, and easy alternative to the
phenylephrine in patients with anterior
epistaxis.