Related Experiment Videos
Research for bleeding tendency in patients presenting with significant epistaxis
Omer Dizdar1, Ibrahim Koral Onal, Engin Ozakin
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hacetepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. omerdiz@yahoo.com
Summary
Aspirin use and hypertension are common causes of emergency room visits for nosebleeds (epistaxis) in adults. Inherited bleeding disorders are rare in these cases, suggesting targeted testing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Hematology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common reason for emergency department visits.
- Understanding the underlying causes, including inherited coagulopathies and acquired conditions, is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inherited bleeding disorders and acquired conditions (hypertension, aspirin use) with emergency department admissions for epistaxis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 19 adult patients admitted for epistaxis.
- Data collection included personal/family bleeding history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (platelet count, INR, aPTT, coagulation factors, von Willebrand factor).
- Analysis of acquired conditions such as hypertension and aspirin use.
Main Results:
- Only one patient (5%) had a decreased von Willebrand factor level.
- Ten patients (53%) reported aspirin use, and 13 (68%) had hypertension upon admission.
- Aspirin use and hypertension were identified as leading causes of epistaxis-related emergency visits.
Conclusions:
- Acquired conditions like aspirin use and hypertension are more prevalent than inherited coagulopathies in adult epistaxis admissions.
- Detailed coagulation testing should be reserved for patients with a clear personal or family history of bleeding tendencies.
- This finding supports a focused diagnostic approach for epistaxis in the emergency setting.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.