Role of routine coagulation studies in idiopathic epistaxis.

Epistaxis, being the commonest ENT emergency requiring hospital admission, is clearly an important condition - not only to the specialist but also to any general practitioner. The role of routine coagulation studies in the management of patients suffering from epistaxis is unclear. In an attempt to address this issue, the prospective case study was carried out in the department of ENT in Government medical college and hospital Nagpur over span of 2 years from October 2001 to November 2003 in which 100 cases were studied. Coagulation studies were carried out in 100 patients but only 7 patients had abnormal coagulation profile. No other coagulation abnormalities were identified. This study supports the view that there does not appear to br role for routine coagulation studies in patients of epistaxis. The investigation for potential haemostatic disorder should be performed when clinically indicated and if necessary, in consultation with the hematology service.