Risk factors for epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation

• Published in: Anaesthesia and intensive care Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 449 - 452
• Main Authors: SIM, W. S, CHUNG, I. S, CHIN, J. U, PARK, Y. S, CHA, K. J, LEE, S. C, KIM, Y. C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edgecliff Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 01-08-2002; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Epistaxis - etiology; Female; General anesthesia. Technics. Complications. Neuromuscular blocking. Premedication. Surgical preparation. Sedation; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal - adverse effects; Intubation, Intratracheal - methods; Logistic Models; Male; Medical sciences; Nose - injuries; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Human; Epistaxis; Nose disease; Risk factor; ENT disease; General anesthesia; Complication; Intubation; Nasal route; Hemorrhage; Trachea
• ISSN: 0310-057X; 1448-0271
• DOI: 10.1177/0310057x0203000408

We performed a study to confirm which risk factors are significantly associated with epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation. One hundred patients who underwent nasotracheal intubation were included. Risk factors for epistaxis were analysed using the multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable selection method. Epistaxis was most likely to occur if transit of the tube through the nasal passage was difficult (P=0.0001, odds ratio 625, 95% confidence interval 3.14-14.26). On the other hand, age and gender, obesity, smoking, tube size, repeated attempts of intubation, and intubation performed with the aid of Magillforceps were not significantly related with risk of epistaxis. The presence of nasal anatomical abnormalities also did not correlate significantly with epistaxis. Strategies to ensure smooth transit of the tube through the nasal passageways are essential to reduce the incidence of epistaxis.