Tissue plasminogen activator in the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.

Abstract

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic agent that activates plasminogen into plasmin almost exclusively in the presence of fibrin. Intraocular injection of tPA has been proposed for the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases, such as vitreous hemorrhage, postvitrectomy fibrin formation, submacular hemorrhage, retinal vascular occlusive disorders, suprachoroidal hemorrhage and endophthalmitis. Currently, intraocular tPA is only used in the treatment of postvitrectomy fibrin formation and submacular hemorrhage. For other indications, tPA has not been shown to be safe or effective. This article reviews the use of tPA in the treatment of vitreoretinal disorders.

• Authors: M Kamei, M Estafanous, H Lewis
• Journal: Seminars in ophthalmology (Semin Ophthalmol) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 44-50 (Mar 2000) ISSN: 0882-0538 [Print] England
• PMID: 10749314 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Plasminogen Activators
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Topics

• Animals
• Anterior Chamber
• Eye Diseases (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Injections
• Intraoperative Period
• Molecular Structure
• Plasminogen Activators (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Postoperative Period
• Retina
• Retinal Diseases (drug therapy, surgery)
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vitrectomy
• Vitreous Body