Hilotherapy for managing epistaxis and nasal fractures version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Roles of Hilotherapy for Managing Epistaxis and Nasal Fractures; a Pilot Study
IRAS ID
230638
Contact name
Sadie Khwaja
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Epistaxis (nasal bleeding) and nasal fractures are common presentations to accident and emergency departments (A+E).\n\nThe majority of epistaxis is managed by applying ice to the face and neck which encourages cessation of bleeding. Subsequent nasal cautery may be necessary. Failure of these measures results in nasal packing, hospital admission and resulting discomfort/inconvenience to patients as well as cost to the NHS. \n\nNasal bone fractures are the commonest fracture to the face. Often, correction of the fracture cannot be performed at time of injury due to significant swelling. However failure to correct the nasal fracture within 14-21 days (whilst the bones are mobile) could result in long-term avoidable cosmetic deformity and nasal obstruction. This results in delayed higher costs to the NHS as formal surgery is needed. \n\nHilotherapy is a water circulating external cooling system. This is delivered to the patient via a disposable pre shaped thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) mask and the device control unit. The temperature delivered can be controlled from +10ºC to +30ºC. At this temperature peripheral nerve conduction and vasoconstriction occurs, hence simultaneously reducing pain, bleeding and swelling.\n \nThere is no published literature available regarding the role of Hilotherapy for managing epistaxis and nasal fractures but presidents are available. These include post-operative pain management following craniofacial surgery and reduction in pain and swelling following orthognathic surgery .\n \nThis pilot study will assess whether or not Hilotherapy reduces bleeding time and swelling significantly V.S conventional methods, thus reducing the need for more invasive costly interventions for patients presenting with nasal fractures and epistaxis to A+E. \n\nA 3 month observational pilot study will be performed. Patients with epistaxis/nasal fractures will be consented to wear the Hilotherm mask at arrival to A+E, with additional conventional measures to stop bleeding/swelling. Bleeding time and swelling reduction will be analysed.\n
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0446
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion