Global research landscape on antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus: Trends, collaborations, and future directions.

Abstract

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are frequently studied together due to their close relationship. Despite significant research in this area, bibliometric studies addressing global research trends, key hotspots, and developmental trajectories are still lacking.

Methods: This study employs bibliometric analysis to examine 2233 publications on APS and SLE from 1989 to 2024, sourced from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Visualization tools, such as the bibliometrix R package, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer, were utilized.

Results: The analysis includes contributions from 9322 researchers across 2534 institutions in 91 countries, with publications spread across 585 journals. Research activity has increased substantially since 2015, reflecting the growing academic interest in the field. The United States led in publication volume, while Tel Aviv University produced the highest number of publications. Lupus had the highest number of both publications and citations. Yehuda Shoenfeld is the most prolific author, while Ronald A. Asherson is the most co-cited author. Keyword analysis revealed five major themes in APS and SLE research, covering thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, immune response, pregnancy complications, and other connective tissue diseases. Thematic map emphasized the need for future research to focus on the immune mechanisms of antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombosis management, management of pregnancy complications, and interventions for neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion: This study analyzes the literature on APS and SLE, revealing trends in the research of their immune mechanisms, thrombosis management, pregnancy complications, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and providing strong guidance for future research directions.