The therapeutic efficacy of propranolol in children with recurrent primary epistaxis

Bojko Bjelakovic,^1,2 Mila Bojanovic,^2,3 Stevo Lukic,^2,4 Ljiljana Saranac,^1,2 Vladislav Vukomanovic,^5,6 Sergej Prijic,⁵ Nikola Zivkovic,⁷ Dusica Randjelovic<sup>1

1</sup>Clinic of Pediatrics, Clinical Center, Nis, Serbia; ²Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia; ³Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Clinical Center, Nis, Serbia; ⁴Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center, Nis, Serbia; ⁵Mother and Child Health Institute, "Dr Vukan Cupic", Belgrade, Serbia; ⁶Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia; ⁷Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia

Abstract: We hypothesized that some characteristics of beta-blockers, including negative inotropic, peripheral vasoconstrictor, and antiangiogenic effects, might be potentially useful in treating children with epistaxis. From June 2010 to March 2012, a total of seven children with recurrent primary epistaxis resistant to conventional management were observed at our institution. An overall effectiveness of propranolol was noted in all seven children when given a dose of 1.5–2 mg/kg/day (divided into three doses) as a second line therapy for terminating epistaxis. Based on our first experience, we believe that propranolol could be a favorable treatment option for patients with primary epistaxis.

Keywords: beta-blocker, epistaxis, children