Cardiovascular risk and severity factors in patients admitted to hospital for spontaneous epistaxis

Abstract Objectives To assess the role of cardiovascular risk factors, intake of drugs altering hemostasis and severity signs in patients admitted with spontaneous epistaxis. Material and methods A single-center retrospective study covering a 7-year period in a university hospital center included 205 patients admitted with spontaneous epistaxis. Study variables comprised: cardiovascular risk factors (cardiovascular disease or history of cardiovascular disease with hemorrhagic or thromboembolic risk, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, dyslipidemia), intake of drugs altering hemostasis, blood pressure and minimum hemoglobin level during hospital stay. Groups of serious and non-serious epistaxis were distinguished. Results There were no significant inter-group differences for mean age, sex ratio, history of high blood pressure or number of cardiovascular risk factors. Serious epistaxis was associated with significantly lower blood pressure and hemoglobinemia. Number of cardiovascular risk factors correlated with probability of blood transfusion. Conclusion The real influence of the various study factors, including severity factors, on onset of spontaneous epistaxis remains to be elucidated.