Bilateral epistaxis in children: efficacy of bilateral septal cauterization with silver nitrate.
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.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review with prospective incident case identification in a tertiary referral pediatric otolaryngology practice.


METHODS
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.
Link
T Roxanne
TR
Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Conley
Stephen F
SF
Flanary
Valerie
V
Kerschner
Joseph E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002425:Cautery / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009300:Nasal Septum; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012835:Silver Nitrate