Topical propranolol improves epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia - a preliminary report

BACKGROUND: Severe epistaxis is often difficult to control in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Propranolol has been shown to have antiangiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo and is commonly used to treat hemangiomas. We present our experience with topical nasal propranolol for the treatment of moderate to severe epistaxis in patients with HHT. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Six patients with HHT were treated with 0.5 cm(3) of 1.5% propranolol gel, applied to each nostril twice daily for at least 12 weeks. Outcome measures were epistaxis severity score (ESS), hemoglobin level, and number of blood transfusions prior to and while on treatment. Local and systemic side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The mean duration of treatment was 30 ± 5.6 weeks. A significant improvement in the ESS was found in all patients, with a mean decrease from 6.4 ± 2.1 at treatment onset to 3.5 ± 1.7 at 12 weeks (p = 0.028). Hemoglobin level increased significantly from 8.4 ± 3.1 to 11.0 ± 1.8 g/dL at 12 weeks (p = 0.043). The mean number of blood transfusions decreased from 4.5 ± 4.9 before treatment to 2.5 ± 2.9 at 12 weeks and 0.3 ± 0.8 at 24 weeks, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.109 for both). No significant side effects of treatment were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that topical propranolol may be effective for the treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT. A prospective controlled trial is required to confirm our findings.