A comparative study of calcium sodium alginate (Kaltostat) and bismuth tribromophenate (Xeroform) packing in the management of epistaxis.
A prospective study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of calcium sodium alginate fibre (Kaltostat) to petrolatum gauze impregnated with bismuth tribromophenate (Xeroform) for the control of epistaxes that require hospital admission. Forty patients presenting with severe epistaxis requring hospital admission were treated with either Kaltostat or Xeroform nasal packs. Allocation to either treatment group was made randomly. The composition of each group in terms of age, sex distribution, aetiology of epistaxis and severity of bleed was not significantly different. There was no significant difference in the efficacy or patient acceptability of either therapeutic agent. It is concluded that calcium sodium alginate fibre should be considered as an acceptable alternative to traditional gauze packing.
McGlashan
J A
JA
ENT Department, Lewisham Hospital, London.
Walsh
R
R
Dauod
A
A
Vowles
A
A
Gleeson
M J
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000464:Alginates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010636:Phenols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013630:Tampons, Surgical
D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D010636:Phenols; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; C004554:2,4,6-tribromophenol