Nationwide descriptive epidemiological study of epistaxis treatment using the national database of Japan.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze nationwide patterns of epistaxis treatment in Japan, including temporal trends, demographic distributions, and regional variations. This was a nationwide descriptive observational study using a national administrative database.

METHODS

We analyzed open data of the National Database of Health Insurance Claims from fiscal years 2019-2022 to examine two treatment procedures for epistaxis: hemostasis with gauze packing and cauterization. Treatment patterns were evaluated by month, age, sex, and prefecture of residence. The standardized claim ratio was calculated using indirect standardization for regional comparisons

RESULTS

During the study period, 870,819 gauze-packing procedures and 523,591 cauterization procedures were recorded. Both procedures exhibited consistent seasonal patterns, peaking in winter (December to February). Age distribution followed a bimodal pattern, with higher incidence in children and older adult individuals, and a male predominance across all age groups. Pediatric patients were more likely to receive gauze packing. Geographic analysis showed a preference for gauze packing in Western Japan, whereas cauterization was more frequently performed in Northern Japan, suggesting a potential association with higher latitudes.

CONCLUSION

This is the first nationwide study to identify distinct seasonal, demographic, and regional variations in epistaxis treatment in Japan. These findings suggest that factors beyond climate may influence treatment selection.