Comparative study of the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid with nasal tampon in management of epistaxis: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background and Aim: Epistaxis is one of the most common symptoms referring to emergency department, which suitable and effective treatment needs in short term. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to compare the outcome of topical tranexamic acid (TA) with nasal tampon in management of epistaxis. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial study was performed on 150 patients with epistaxis in three groups. The patients of the first group were treated as a control group with a tampon that was lubricated with tetracycline ointment. The second group (TA group) received 15 cm gauze coated with TA and put in the nasal cavity. The third group received 15 cm gauze coated with TA and then nasal tampon coated with lubricant and tetracycline ointment. Then bleeding and nausea were assessed and recorded in the first 24 hours and the first week after intervention. Finally, statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software and Chi-square and one-way analysis of variance tests were used. Results: The time of bleeding cessation was significantly more in control groups as compared to intervention groups(P=0.04). The incidence of complications such as nausea and vomiting was much lower in the TA group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed the beneficial effects of TA in reducing the time of nasal bleeding with lower side effects, which could be prescribed as a treatment in addition to standard therapy and significantly lead to better control of nasal bleeding in the short term. © 2018 the Author (s).