Physicians use eye drops for nosebleeds

Rare disease: Scientists use eye drops for nosebleeds

Many causes of nosebleeds are harmless. But sometimes it can also indicate a dangerous disease, if you bleed frequently and massively from the nose, for example, the rare disease Osler. Researchers now want to find out if a particular drug for eye disease can reduce this symptom.

Nosebleeds can indicate a serious illness

When you bleed from the nose, you usually do not have to worry much. However, severe and frequent nosebleeds may indicate a serious illness. For example, the rare disease Osler causes massive nosebleeds. Scientists now want to investigate whether a medicine against green star can reduce this symptom.

The rare disease Osler usually leads to massive nosebleeds. Researchers now want to find out if a green starter medication can reduce this symptom. (Image: drubig-photo / fotolia.com)

Day of rare diseases

The day of rare diseases always focuses on diseases on the last day of February, which affects no more than five out of 10,000 people.

For example, the rare disease Osler's disease leads to massive nosebleeds, which is sometimes not so easy to stop.

"There are a variety of described medical measures for the treatment of bleeding," it says on the website of the non-profit association Morbus Osler self-help e.V.

"The reason for this variety is the fact that until today, unfortunately, there is no optimal procedure that achieves a cure of the nosebleed. A significant relief is, however, almost always possible, "it continues.

Perhaps also with the help of a nasal spray, because at the University Hospital Regensburg (UKR) is now explored whether a drug against green star can reduce this symptom.

Scary long-lasting nosebleed

The day of rare diseases is rare. It can only be committed every four years on its actual date, the 29th of February. Even rarer are diseases such as Osler's disease.

This congenital, abnormal dilation of blood vessels manifests itself in 90 percent of cases by severe nosebleeds. It occurs for no apparent reason, often at night and can last a frighteningly long time.

The consequences of so-called epistaxis range from a limited quality of life to inability to work or anemia.

But Osler's disease and many other rare diseases affect so few people that they often know little about causes, symptoms or treatment options.

"To date, the Osorb's patients have only limited use of the nosebleed remedies. They range from elaborate care of the nasal mucous membrane and nasal tamponades through surgical interventions for obliteration of vessels in the nose to a permanent closure of the nose, "explains Dr. med. Kornelia Wirsching, Senior Physician in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the UKR in a statement.

She is now researching a new drug therapy for Morbus Osler patients. In smaller case studies, a positive influence of eye drops with the active substance timolol on the frequency and intensity of nose bleeds in those affected has already been shown.

Much relief with a comparatively simple method

As part of a new research project, Dr. Ing. Wirsching clinically test this effect and thus scientifically substantiate the use of the drug. So far, the beta-blocker timolol is not approved for use in patients with Crohn's disease.

In Germany, the active ingredient is currently used in green star and here causes the reduction of intraocular pressure by inhibiting special receptors in the eye and lowers the production of aqueous humor.

For some years, local beta-blockers such as timolol have also been successfully used in blood sponges (hemangiomas).

As part of her research project, Dr. Wirsching Timolol after refilling into a nasal spray bottle in patients of the Morbus Osler Consultation Clinic of Otolaryngology.

"There are only a few treatment options available for many rare diseases," says Professor Dr. med. Mark Berneburg, Chairman of the ZSER e.V. (Center for Rare Diseases), which financially supports the research project.

"In the study of the impact of timolol nasal spray on the nosebleed in patients with Osorb's disease, we see a lot of potential to provide much relief to patients with a relatively simple method," the expert said. (Ad)