Management of submacular haemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal tenecteplase

We have previously reported that the thrombolytic tenecteplase (TNK) is able to penetrate the retina following an intravitreal injection of 50 μg with no evidence of retinal toxicity.1–3 The purpose of this report, which is the first in humans, is to assess its efficacy and safety in the management of patients with submacular haemorrhage (SMH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Eight patients with a fresh SMH ranging from 3 to 14 days due to age-related macular degeneration and with a reduction in vision to less than or equal to 20/200 were enrolled for this study. Following topical anaesthesia and 5% povodine iodine solution preparation, 50 μg of commercial TNK (Metalyse, Boehringer, Ingelheim, NSW, Australia) diluted with balanced salt solution …