title: Clinical Study of 1,515 Patients Presenting with Epistaxis Over the Last 6 Years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study reviews our clinical experience of patients with epistaxis and discusses proper management.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively investigated 1,515 patients with epistaxis treated in our department between 2005 and 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Men over 50 years old predominated. More than half of the patients (n = 828) first visited after consultation hours, and 40% (n = 606) were brought by ambulance. The most common underlying diseases were circulatory diseases (69%, n = 1,047). Antithrombotics were being administered to 23% (n = 345). Kiesselbach's plexus was the most commonly observed bleeding site (51%, n = 769). In 20% (n = 297), no bleeding point was confirmed because hemostasis had been achieved on arrival. Anterior packing was the most common primary treatment, followed by electrocauterization. Hospitalization was required in 2% (n = 30). Re-bleeding occurred within 14 days after primary treatment in 14% (n = 206). Surgical treatment was performed for 5% (n = 11).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients showing repeated pulsatile arterial bleeding require hospitalization for surgical therapy, although outpatient therapy is sufficient in most cases. A risk of re-bleeding should be considered if patients show unclarified bleeding points and circulatory diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoriko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yukitatsu
authors.forename: Kenzo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tsuzuki
authors.forename: Hironori
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takebayashi
authors.forename: Masafumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakagami
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D013630:Tampons, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult