Nasal packing with porcine fatty tissue for epistaxis complicated by qualitative platelet disorders

Medications and renal failure are common causes of qualitative platelet disorders. Epistaxis occurring in these settings may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. Two patients with epistaxis and platelet dysfunction are presented who were successfully treated with porcine nasal packing. The technique, previously shown effective in thrombocytopenic patients, is inexpensive, simple, and effective. The procedure is described and its possible modes of action are discussed. The pathogenesis of platelet disorders induced by uremia and aspirin are also briefly discussed.