Comparison of Radiofrequency Coagulation and Silver Nitrate Cauterization for the Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Epistaxis Associated With Allergic Rhinitis in Pediatric Patients

ImportanceChildhood recurrent anterior epistaxis (RAE) commonly coexists with allergic rhinitis (AR), causing significant symptoms and distress to patients; however, treatment remains controversial.ObjectiveTo compare the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients with RAE and AR treated intraoperatively with silver nitrate cauterization (SNC) or radiofrequency coagulation (RFC).Study DesignProspective, randomized controlled study.SettingTertiary referral center.ParticipantsPediatric patients presenting with RAE and AR.Exposure or InterventionPatients received SNC or RFC in a double-blind, prospective cohort study.Main Outcome MeasuresThe Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for AR-related symptoms were recorded at baseline, 4thweek, 3rd month, and 12th month.ResultsThe rebleeding rate in the SNC group was 18.0% at the 4th week, 46.0% at the 3rdmonth, and 58.0% at the 12th month, whereas the RFC group demonstrated rates of 2.0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively (<i>P</i> < .05). At each follow-up time point, the mean ESS was significantly lower in the RFC group than in the SNC group. In addition, mean VAS scores for nasal crusting and impact on daily life (IDL) were significantly lower in the RFC group at all postoperative time points. Moreover, the RFC group exhibited significantly-lower mean VAS scores for runny nose and itchy nose at the 3rd and 12th month postoperatively. Similarly, the mean VAS score for nasal obstruction was significantly lower in the RFC group at the 12th month postoperatively. No cases of septal necrosis or perforation were observed in the SNC group. However, septal perforation occurred in 1 patient among the 4 who underwent RFC using the ablation mode.Conclusion/RelevanceThe thermocoagulation mode of RFC is a safe and effective treatment modality for bilateral RAE in pediatric patients. It significantly improves epistaxis and alleviates associated nasal symptoms. Furthermore, compared with patients treated with SNC, those receiving RFC exhibited a significantly-prolonged nosebleed-free period and a reduced likelihood of recurrent epistaxis within 1 year of treatment.