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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.