Epistaxis in Visceral Leishmaniasis with Hematological Correlation

Objective . To study the prevalence of epistaxis in visceral leismaniasis and its correlation with hematological profile. Methods . Out of 80 diagnosed cases of visceral leishmaniasis, 19 patients with epistaxis were included in the study. Diagnosis was made by Rk-39 from peripheral smear and LD bodies from bone marrow. Before starting anti-kala-azar treatment, nasal examination findings and hematological profile were noted. Study Design . Prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study. Results . Epistaxis was found in the age group of 7–66 years. Epistaxis was observed in 19 (23.8%) cases. One patient died because of epistaxis and neck hematoma. Conclusion . Epistaxis is a common ENT finding in endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis like our case.