Nasal septal hematoma and abscess in children

The objective of the study was to evaluate the demographic factors, trauma type, treatment, and long-term results in patients with nasal septal hematoma (NSH) and nasal septal abscess (NSA).

Between the years 2006 and 2010, subjects who received a diagnosis of NSA and NSH were included for the study. Demographic data, the surgical findings, and long term follow-up results were recorded.

Twenty-nine subjects were identified. Eleven subjects had a diagnosis of NSA, whereas 19 subjects were identified as having NSH. Eighteen subjects (62.1%) were male, whereas the remaining 11 subjects (38.9%) were female. Mean age of the subjects was 7.79 ± 3.99 years. The etiologies were fall in 26 subjects (89.6%) and blow in 3 subjects (10.4%). Four subjects were previously examined by a physician. In 9 subjects (31.1%), radiologic and clinical evidence of nasal fracture exists. Eighteen (72%) of 29 subjects experienced sequelae. No significant difference exists for clinical properties, demographic data, etiology, and so on, except mean duration; P > 0.05. Mean duration was significantly high in the NSA group than in the NSH group (8.40 ± 8.46 days vs 3.58 ± 3.64 days, P = 0.025).

This study demonstrated that both NSH and NSA have similar properties for demographic data, etiology, and sequelae.