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

## TL;DR

This study finds that propranolol, a beta-blocker, can reduce nosebleeds in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a genetic vascular disorder.

## Contribution

The study is the largest to date evaluating propranolol's effect on epistaxis in HHT patients and shows its potential as an accessible treatment.

## Key findings

- Propranolol significantly reduced the frequency of epistaxis in HHT patients.
- No significant effect of propranolol was observed on the intensity of nosebleeds.
- Propranolol-treated patients showed stable adherence to nasal care and less use of antifibrinolytic therapies.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: 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. Methods: 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). Results: After IPTW adjustment, propranolol was significantly associated with reduced frequency of epistaxis (adjusted OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3–11.2; p = 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. Conclusions: 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.