TITLE:
Propranolol-Induced Epistaxis in a Woman with Multiple Obstetric Complications: Case Report
AUTHORS:
Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, John Osaigbovo Imaralu, Bamikole Tosin Osibowale
KEYWORDS:
Epistaxis, Thrombocytopathy, Propranolol, Pregnancy
JOURNAL NAME:
Case Reports in Clinical Medicine,
Vol.4 No.5,
May
27,
2015
ABSTRACT: Epistaxis is a common complaint which is rarely life-threatening, as most cases are self-limited and as such unreported. However, it may be a significant cause for concern if it becomes recurrent. Although a number of medications including topical antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known aetiological factors for epistaxis due to their antiplatelet effects, beta blockers are not being widely reported as a possible cause. This report presents the case of a 34-year-old G2P0+1, who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy and subsequently reported epistaxis twice at different occasion and different hospital settings when propranolol was introduced for her treatment, with resolution of epistaxis after withdrawal of propranolol. The report aims to highlight and sensitize physicians to the possible risk of bleeding in patients placed on beta blockers especially propranolol for a wide range of medical condition due to its thrombocytopathic effect.