%0 Journal Article %A J S Mehta %A G G W Adams %T Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator following paediatric cataract surgery %D 2000 %R 10.1136/bjo.84.9.983 %J British Journal of Ophthalmology %P 983-986 %V 84 %N 9 %X 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. %U https://bjo.bmj.com/content/bjophthalmol/84/9/983.full.pdf