Propranolol Reduces Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Large Retrospective Study

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular dysplasia characterized by recurrent epistaxis, anemia, and visceral arteriovenous malformations. Epistaxis is the most frequent and disabling manifestation, with limited effective pharmacological options. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker with vasoconstrictive and antiangiogenic properties, has shown benefit in other vascular anomalies but remains scarcely studied in HHT. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral propranolol on nasal bleeding in patients with HHT. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective observational study including 151 adults with HHT (44 treated with propranolol, 107 untreated) was conducted using data from an Institutional HHT Registry from a referral center. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Outcomes at 6 months included changes in hemoglobin, adherence to nasal hygiene, use of bleeding-related therapies, and improvement in epistaxis frequency and intensity according to the Sadick-Bergler scale. Logistic regression models were adjusted for confounders and indication bias using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). <b>Results:</b> After IPTW adjustment, propranolol was significantly associated with reduced frequency of epistaxis (adjusted OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3-11.2; <i>p</i> = 0.016), while no effect was observed on intensity. Hemoglobin levels increased modestly in both groups without a significant difference. Patients without propranolol showed greater antifibrinolytic use, whereas adherence to nasal care remained stable among treated patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> Oral propranolol reduced nasal bleeding frequency in HHT, even among patients with greater baseline severity. Given its accessibility, safety, and potential to lessen treatment burden, it may represent a valuable adjunct therapy. This study represents the largest cohort of HHT patients treated with propranolol reported to date. Randomized trials including standardized bleeding scores and patient-reported outcomes are warranted to confirm clinical and quality-of-life benefits.

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Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2026-01-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010372
Primary Topic
Vascular Anomalies and Treatments
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article
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article

Propranolol Reduces Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Large Retrospective Study

Vanina Pagotto, Carmelo Bernabéu, Luisa Maria Botella, Marcelo Martín Serra
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Vascular Anomalies and Treatments
article

Propranolol Reduces Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Large Retrospective Study

Vanina Pagotto, Carmelo Bernabéu, Luisa Maria Botella, Marcelo Martín Serra
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant vascular dysplasia characterized by recurrent epistaxis, anemia, and visceral arteriovenous malformations. Epistaxis is the most frequent and disabling manifestation, with limited effective pharmacological options. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker with vasoconstrictive and antiangiogenic properties, has shown benefit in other vascular anomalies but remains scarcely studied in HHT. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral propranolol on nasal bleeding in patients with HHT. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective observational study including 151 adults with HHT (44 treated with propranolol, 107 untreated) was conducted using data from an Institutional HHT Registry from a referral center. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Outcomes at 6 months included changes in hemoglobin, adherence to nasal hygiene, use of bleeding-related therapies, and improvement in epistaxis frequency and intensity according to the Sadick-Bergler scale. Logistic regression models were adjusted for confounders and indication bias using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). <b>Results:</b> After IPTW adjustment, propranolol was significantly associated with reduced frequency of epistaxis (adjusted OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3-11.2; <i>p</i> = 0.016), while no effect was observed on intensity. Hemoglobin levels increased modestly in both groups without a significant difference. Patients without propranolol showed greater antifibrinolytic use, whereas adherence to nasal care remained stable among treated patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> Oral propranolol reduced nasal bleeding frequency in HHT, even among patients with greater baseline severity. Given its accessibility, safety, and potential to lessen treatment burden, it may represent a valuable adjunct therapy. This study represents the largest cohort of HHT patients treated with propranolol reported to date. Randomized trials including standardized bleeding scores and patient-reported outcomes are warranted to confirm clinical and quality-of-life benefits.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 15(1)
Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (AR), Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (ES), National Research Council (LK)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 98%
Vascular Anomalies and Treatments
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