In first-line, clearing out blood-clots and bidigital compression are recommended. In case of persistent bleeding, local anesthesia with a vasoconstrictor is essential before nasal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. When the origin of bleeding is not anterior, nasal endoscopy is an essential procedure, identifying the bleeding site in most cases. In case of active bleeding, cauterization is recommended but is only feasible if the bleeding site is clearly visible. When the bleeding site is not identifiable or the first measures failed, anterior packing may be performed by a non-specialist physician. Epistaxis requires subsequent nasal endoscopy performed by an ENT specialist. Patients should be informed of the measures to be taken in case of epistaxis at home, and the risks associated with the various treatments.
Before any decision to modify antithrombotic treatment, it is recommended to screen for overdose and assess the risk of thrombosis. In stented patients, dual antiplatelet therapy must be maintained during the month following stenting and, if possible, for 3 months. In epistaxis with antivitamin K (AVK) overdose controlled by packing, corrective measures are based on the International Normalized Ratio (INR). In uncontrolled epistaxis, it is recommended to stop AVK, administer antidotes and regularly monitor INR. In case of intravascular embolization, it is not recommended to alter anticoagulant treatment.
Objectives/Hypothesis
The objective of this study was to report for the first time on the results of submucosal injections of bevacizumab used in conjunction with cyanoacrylate glue sclerotherapy in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).
Study Design
Retrospective analytic chart review.
Methods
We performed a chart review that included all patients with HHT treated with intranasal bevacizumab and cyanoacrylate glue for refractory epistaxis at Lariboisiere University Hospital from 2013 with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months. We injected 100 mg (25 mg/mL) of bevacizumab diluted in 2 mL of serum at the base of the telangiectasias, and sclerotherapy with an injection of cyanoacrylate glue was used adjunctively. Treatment efficacy was based on changes in Epistaxis Severity Scores (ESS) and the Bergler‐Sadick Scale. Quality of life and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the Cantril Self‐Anchoring Ladder (CL) and Likert scale, respectively.
Results
Thirty‐one patients were included, with a mean follow‐up of 26.6 months. The average ESS score significantly decreased from 7.82 to 3.89 (P < .05). The Bergler‐Sadick score significantly improved (P < .05) following the treatment, including the frequency (from 2.74 to 1.64) and the quantity (from 2.54 to 1.51) scales. Quality of life was significantly improved (P < .05) using the CL score (from 4.16 to 7.22). The Likert satisfaction scale related to the treatment efficacy was high, with an average of 7.03 out of 10. No complications were noted.
Conclusions
Submucosal injections of bevacizumab in conjunction with cyanoacrylate glue sclerotherapy significantly reduced epistaxis and improved the quality of life in HHT. Prospective comparative studies are needed to further evaluate the significance of this treatment modality.
Level of Evidence
3b
Laryngoscope, 129:2210–2215, 2019
Liver and pancreatic involvement in asymptomatic HHT patients is associated with myriad suggestive findings on 64-section helical CT. It can be anticipated that familiarity with these findings would result in more confident diagnosis of HHT.
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