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Childhood epistaxis and nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus
Andrew D Whymark1, David P Crampsey, Lyndsay Fraser
1Institution Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK.
Nasal Staphylococcus aureus colonization is more common in children with epistaxis (nosebleeds). This finding supports the hypothesis that Staphylococcus aureus causes inflammation and new vessel formation leading to nosebleeds in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common pediatric condition with an unknown etiology.
- Nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus is a potential contributing factor to epistaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization and epistaxis in children.
- To explore the role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathophysiology of pediatric epistaxis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study involving 67 children (42 with epistaxis, 25 controls).
- Microbiology swabs of the anterior nasal cavity were analyzed for bacterial cultures.
- Children were categorized based on epistaxis presence and nasal crusting.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was significantly more prevalent in children with epistaxis compared to controls (P = 0.008).
- No significant difference in Staphylococcus aureus prevalence was observed between children with and without nasal crusting.
- Epistaxis patients showed a lower prevalence of respiratory pathogens and skin commensals.
Conclusions:
- Children experiencing epistaxis are more likely to harbor Staphylococcus aureus in their nasal passages.
- The findings support the hypothesis that Staphylococcus aureus colonization may lead to nasal inflammation, crusting, and neovascularization, causing epistaxis.
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