THE USE OF TISSUE-PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR IN POSTTRAUMATIC TOTAL HYPHEMA

Background: We wanted to evaluate whether intracameral injection of ti ssue plasminogen activator (tPA) is useful in managing traumatic hypha ema. Methods: Two eyes with total hyphaema after a severe penetrating injury were treated with a single intracameral injection of 25 mu g of tPA 5 and 14 days after the injury, respectively. Results: Most of th e blood coagulum dissolved within 24 h, and in one of the two eyes the intraocular pressure decreased from 45 to 8 mmHg. The other eye was h ypotonic. No re-bleeding or complications related to the use of tPA we re noticed. Conclusion: The results in these two cases suggest that tP A is a useful adjunct in managing total hyphaema.