Open AccessEpistaxis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Author(s) -
Valeria Dell’Era,
R Dosdegani,
Paolo Aluffi Valletti,
Massimiliano Garzaro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of international medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1473-2300
pISSN - 0300-0605
DOI - 10.1177/0300060520951040
Subject(s) - medicine , nasal cannula , covid-19 , continuous positive airway pressure , airway , cannula , oxygen therapy , surgery , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , obstructive sleep apnea
Spontaneous epistaxis in patients with COVID-19 can represent a clinical challenge with respect to both the risk of contamination and the treatment options. We herein present the data of 30 patients with COVID-19 who developed spontaneous epistaxis while hospitalized at Eastern Piedmont Hospital during March and April 2020. All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin during their hospital stay and required supplementary oxygen therapy either by a nasal cannula or continuous positive airway pressure. Both conditions can represent risk factors for developing epistaxis. Prevention of crust formation in patients with rhinitis using a nasal lubricant should be recommended. If any treatment is required, appropriate self-protection is mandatory.