Photoactivated Chromophore for Keratitis-Corneal Cross-linking (PACK-CXL)-A Scoping Review Based on Preclinical Studies.

Purpose: Photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) stabilizes the corneal stroma and eliminates microorganisms. Numerous PACK-CXL protocols, using different energy sources and chromophores, have been applied in preclinical studies, including live animal studies, with various experimental designs and endpoints. So far, a systematic mapping of the applied protocols and consistency across studies seems lacking but is essential to guide future research.
Methods: The scoping review protocol was in line with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Electronic databases were searched (Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science) to identify eligible records, followed by a two-step selection process (title and abstract screening, full text screening) for record inclusion. We extracted information on (1) different PACK-CXL protocol characteristics; (2) infectious pathogens tested; (3) study designs and experimental settings; and (4) endpoints used to determine antimicrobial and tissue stabilizing effects. The information was charted in frequency maps.
Results: The searches yielded 3654 unique records, 233 of which met the inclusion criteria. With 103 heterogeneous endpoints, the researchers investigated a wide range of PACK-CXL protocols. The tested microorganisms reflected pathogens commonly associated with infectious keratitis. Bacterial solutions and infectious keratitis rabbit models were the most widely used models to study the antimicrobial effects of PACK-CXL.
Conclusions: If preclinical PACK-CXL studies are to guide future translational research, further cross-disciplinary efforts are needed to establish, promote, and facilitate acceptance of common endpoints relevant to PACK-CXL.
Translational Relevance: Systematic mapping of PACK-CXL protocols in preclinical studies guides future translational research.