Epistaxis in healthy children requiring hospital admission

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the outcomes for healthy children who require admission to hospital with acute epistaxis.

Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of admissions with acute epistaxis under the Otolaryngology Department in a tertiary pediatric centre was performed.

Results: There were 14 cases (11 males, 3 females), with mean age 7.8 years (1.9-18.3 years). Three patients had a history of recent aspirin ingestion, and one had sustained nasal trauma. Mean hemoglobin at presentation was 105g/L (75-150), and no patient was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Four patients underwent surgical intervention, and one patient received a blood transfusion or blood product. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.6 days (2-14 days).

Conclusions: Acute epistaxis in healthy children that requires hospital admission is generally not a marker for an underlying bleeding disorder. It is associated with a short inpatient stay, and usually requires minimal intervention.