Assessment of Some Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters in Individuals With Epistaxis in Owerri, Nigeria.

Abstract

Epistaxis, commonly known as nosebleed, is a frequent clinical condition encountered in emergency settings. While often
attributed to local factors such as trauma or environmental influences, systemic conditions, including haematological and
haemostatic abnormalities, can predispose individuals to recurrent or severe episodes. This study was aimed at assessing
some haematological and haemostatic parameters of individuals with epistaxis at federal medical center, Owerri. A total
of 30 patients attending federal medical center, Owerri who presented with epistaxis were recruited for the study, while
thirty (30) healthy subjects served as controls. 5 mls of blood samples was collected from each participant, and 3mls was
aliquoted into sodium citrate bottle and used to determine prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time,
while the remaining 2mls was dispensed into ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) bottle and used for packed cell volume
(PCV) and platelet count determination. These parameters were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Data
generated was analyzed using SPSS version 21, and mean, standard deviation, t-test, and p-value were determined. The
mean values of PCV and platelets were significantly reduced in epistaxis patients (27.90 ± 3.52) % and (168.87 ± 62.74) × 109/L
when compared to controls (34.40 ± 3.88)% and (296.80 ± 75.28) × 109/L respectively (p = 0.000). There was no significant
difference in the mean values of PT and APTT in epistaxis patients (12.28 ± 1.10 and 31.08 ± 7.08) secs when compared to
controls (12.74 ± 1.24 and 32.99 ± 2.87) secs (p = 0.131 and 0.176) respectively. There was no significant difference in the
mean values of PCV and platelets (27.55 ± 4.19) % and (173.90 ± 70.45) × 109/L in male epistaxis patients when compared
to females (27.73 ± 2.94) % and (192.18 ± 52.62) × 109/L (p = 0.902 and 0.459), and no significant difference in the mean
values of PT and APTT in male epistaxis patients (12.00 ± 1.25; 28.63 ± 5.09) secs when compared to females (28.63 ± 5.09;
28.29 ± 5.53) secs, respectively (p = 0.569 and 0.712). The study has shown that epistaxis is associated with a significant
decrease in PCV and platelet count, and a non- significant difference in the mean value of PT and APTT. There was no
significant difference in the mean values of PCV, platelet count, PT and APTT in male epistaxis patients when compared to
female counterparts. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive haematological and haemostatic assessment to
identify potential underlying disorders. Management should be tailored based on the identified cause, and patients with
significant haematological and haemostatic abnormalities should be referred to a specialist.