Intravitreal injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in submacular hemorrhage: Case series

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Araújo, J (Author) Other; Sousa, C (Author) Other; Faria, PA (Author) Other; Ângela Carneiro (Author) FMUP; Rocha-Sousa A (Author) FMUP; Falcão-Reis F (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: European Journal of Ophthalmology

Vol. 26

Pages: e49-e51

ISSN: 1120-6721

Publisher: WICHTIG PUBLISHING

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-DRS

DOI: 10.5301/ejo.5000682

Abstract (EN): Purpose: To report the safety and efficacy of intravitreal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) with gas for managing submacular hemorrhage. Methods: Patients with submacular hemorrhage centered in or close to the fovea underwent hemorrhage displacement with intravitreal injection of rtPA (50 ¿g/0.05 mL) followed by gas injection (0.3 mL SF6). Anatomic and visual outcomes are described. Results: Exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (n = 4) and blunt trauma (n = 2) were the etiologies of submacular hemorrhage in this sample. Intravitreal injection of rtPA decreased the extent of submacular hemorrhage in all eyes, with complete hemorrhage displacement in 2 and partial displacement in 4. Visual acuity remained stable (n = 4) or improved (n = 2) after the procedure. Improvements in anatomic and visual outcomes were less evident in exudative AMD cases, which also had longer hemorrhage duration. Recurrence occurred only in 1 eye. No evident rtPA-associated retinal toxicity was observed. Conclusions: Untreated submacular hemorrhage has poor visual prognosis. Our results suggest that rtPA injection is a minimally invasive, simple, inexpensive procedure with few related complications. Cost-benefit of this injection seems acceptable. © 2015 Wichtig Publishing.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific