Management of hemoptysis in a pneumology department

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The management of hemoptysis depends onseverity, etiology and the available therapeutic means. We aimed to describe the management of hemoptysis in a Tunisianpneumology department. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective study was conducted in the pneumology department of Charles Nicolle hospitalof Tunis including patients hospitalized for hemoptysis between 2020 and 2022. <b>Results:</b> we included 100 patients with an average age of 54±16 years and sex ratio at 4.87(H/F). tabacco smoking was present in 83% and drug use was noticed in 13%. Comorbidities were associated in 45% dominated by diabetes and cardiac diseases. Hemoptysis was isolated in 18%,cough was the most associated symptom (70%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common etiology (33.3%). Hemoptysis was mostly mild (48%), moderate (35%) and severe(16%). An etiological treatment and antihemorrhagic agent (etamsylate) and was used for all patients. Adrenaline nebulization was indicated for 31 patients. A surgical procedure was required in 11% (6 hemostasis lobectomy, 4 bronchial artery ligation and one perikystectomy). Arterial embolization was realized for one patient.the short-term evolution, linked to hemoptysis, was favourable in most cases, only one patient died of cataclysmic hemorrhage. <b>Conclusion:</b> Hemoptysis is an alarming symptom requiring a rapid management. In Tunisia, surgical techniques is an option to manage severe hemoptysis.