This article has been BACKGROUND—The use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) has been advocated in the treatment of postsurgical fibrinous membrane formation following cataract surgery in adults. Its use in paediatric cases is not well documented.
METHOD—A retrospective review of paediatric cataract extractions performed at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1 January 1997 and 4 April 1999 was carried out.
RESULTS—Cataract extractions were performed in 37 patients, 22 in males 15 in females. Four (9.2%) underwent intracameral injection of 25 µg r-TPA. They were all females of Afro-Caribbean origin. The time to injection varied from 4-14 days, mean 7.2 days. Complete resolution of the fibrinous membrane was seen in all cases. There were no complications by the 3 month follow up.
CONCLUSION—r-TPA may be used safely and effectively at a dose of 25 µg for the treatment of severe fibrinous membranes following paediatric cataract extraction. It aided the visual recovery of the children and also allowed a reduced regimen of topical steroid therapy to be used postoperatively.
METHOD—A retrospective review of paediatric cataract extractions performed at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1 January 1997 and 4 April 1999 was carried out.
RESULTS—Cataract extractions were performed in 37 patients, 22 in males 15 in females. Four (9.2%) underwent intracameral injection of 25 µg r-TPA. They were all females of Afro-Caribbean origin. The time to injection varied from 4-14 days, mean 7.2 days. Complete resolution of the fibrinous membrane was seen in all cases. There were no complications by the 3 month follow up.
CONCLUSION—r-TPA may be used safely and effectively at a dose of 25 µg for the treatment of severe fibrinous membranes following paediatric cataract extraction. It aided the visual recovery of the children and also allowed a reduced regimen of topical steroid therapy to be used postoperatively.
