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Unusual Cause of Persistent Epistaxis with Severe Anemia in a Child
Yilkal Zemene1, Tadele Hailu2, Josh Wiedermann3
1ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon, St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Insights
A rare case of persistent epistaxis (nosebleeds) in a child was caused by an unusual nasal leech infestation. Prompt removal of the leech and treatment resolved the severe anemia, highlighting a rare but significant cause of pediatric anemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Parasitology
- Hematology
Background:
- Epistaxis in children commonly stems from local factors like infections or dryness, but systemic causes also exist.
- Nasal foreign bodies and respiratory infections are frequent pediatric epistaxis triggers.
- While parasitic infestations contribute to anemia in developing nations, nasal leeches causing severe anemia are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old child presented with persistent epistaxis leading to severe anemia.
- A nasal leech was identified as the underlying cause of the prolonged bleeding.
- The leech was successfully removed using forceps.
Findings:
- The study reports a unique case of severe pediatric anemia directly linked to a nasal leech.
- Successful removal of the leech and subsequent anemia treatment were achieved.
- This case underscores the potential for rare parasitic causes of epistaxis and anemia.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual etiologies, such as nasal leeches, in persistent pediatric epistaxis and anemia.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in cases of severe anemia in children, especially in endemic areas.
- Provides a rare clinical example for medical professionals regarding parasitic causes of epistaxis and associated anemia.
Abstract:
Epistaxis in children can be caused by different systemic and local pathologies. Respiratory infections, nasal mucosa dryness, and foreign bodies are some local causes of bleeding from the nose. In developing countries, infestations still contribute a significant proportion of anemia in children. But it is very unusual for leech-causing persistent epistaxis with a consequence of severe anemia. We herein report a rare cause of severe anemia in a 5-year-old child presented to our clinic for persistent epistaxis. A leech was taken out with forceps, and his anemia was treated accordingly.
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