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Bilateral epistaxis in children: efficacy of bilateral septal cauterization with silver nitrate. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2006 Aug;70(8):1439-42

Date

04/20/2006

Pubmed ID

16621035

DOI

10.1016/j.ijporl.2006.03.003

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-33744984423 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

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.

Author List

Link TR, Conley SF, Flanary V, Kerschner JE

Authors

Valerie A. Flanary MD Director, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
T Roxanne Link NP APP Outpatient in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Anti-Infective Agents
Cautery
Child
Child, Preschool
Epistaxis
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Nasal Septum
Retrospective Studies
Silver Nitrate