Is there still a role for nasal closure in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia?

Abstract

Objective: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is characterised by recurrent, severe epistaxis. While nasal closure is a relatively well-established treatment for HHT patients with intractable epistaxis, recent studies highlight the efficacy of bevacizumab in this subgroup. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal closure for patients with contraindications to bevacizumab.

Methods: A case series of five patients with HHT and severe refractory transfusion-dependent epistaxis who were treated with nasal closure.

Results: All patients had subjective improvement in epistaxis. Haemoglobin concentrations increased in all patients, with none requiring transfusion for epistaxis post-operatively. Four patients experienced complete cessation in epistaxis. Four returned positive Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores.

Conclusion: Nasal closure appears to be a safe and effective option for the management of epistaxis in patients with severe, refractory HHT-related epistaxis. Treatment improved quality of life, reduced severity of epistaxis and increased haemoglobin concentrations. Nasal closure should be considered for HHT patients with severe, refractory epistaxis, particularly in cases where bevacizumab is contraindicated.