Postrhinoplasty Epistaxis: Role of Vitamin E?

• Postrhinoplasty epistaxis occurred in two patients, both of whom were found to be ingesting megadoses of vitamin E. The rate of vitamin E consumption in a population of 100 uncomplicated nasal operations during this same period was 16%. A review of the medical literature on vitamin E found recent evidence demonstrating a marked decrease in platelet adhesiveness with megadose ingestion of vitamin E. It is concluded that this should be avoided in the perioperative period. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1988;114:748-750)