Risk Factors for Re-bleeding after the Treatment of Epistaxis

Epistaxis is the most frequent, but readily treatable rhinological emergency. However, epistaxis can be difficult to control and can require hospitalization. First-line treatments sometimes fail and episodes of epistaxis recur. The present study assesses factors involved in being hospitalized for epistaxis or re-bleeding after treatment. This retrospective study enrolled 923 patients (male, n=628 [57.3%]; female, n=468 [42.7%]; mean age, 58.3 [range, 1-98] years) who were treated for 1,096 episodes of epistaxis at Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital between January 2006 and December 2013. Among the 1,096 episodes, 66 (6.0%) required hospitalization and 135 (12.3%) recurred. Patients with bleeding points other than the nasal septum, who were treated with gauze packing, who had a history of hypertension or other heart diseases, who were receiving anticoagulant therapy and who were treated by a family doctor before the initial visit, tended to require treatment with hospitalization. Bleeding points other than the nasal septum, a medical history of hypertension, and treatment with gauze packing were significant risk factors for re-bleeding. In conclusion, these factors should be considered before treating and admitting epistaxis patients to hospital.