Topical aminocaproic acid significantly reduces the incidence of secondary hemorrhage in traumatic hyphema in the rabbit model

Abstract

Systemically administered aminocaproic acid has been shown to reduce the incidence of secondary hemorrhage after traumatic hyphema. To date, no topical treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of rebleeding in a double-masked study. Experimentally induced traumatic hyphemas in the rabbit model were treated with topical placebo gel (4% carboxypolymethylene gel only) or carboxypolymethylene gel with amino-caproic acid (treated group) in a double-masked fashion and were compared with untreated controls (control group). In both the control and placebo groups, there was a 33% rebleed rate. The treated eyes had a 10% rebleed rate that is statistically significant. The topically applied aminocaproic acid gel appears to be well tolerated locally without evidence of systemic toxicity. This study indicates that topical aminocaproic acid may be an effective alternative to systemic treatment to reduce the incidence of secondary hemorrhage in traumatic hyphema.