Analysis of Global Research Trends of Trauma-Related Arrhythmias.

Abstract

Background: Arrhythmia is a common complication among trauma patients and is frequently encountered in clinical practice. It is highly prevalent in this population and is associated with an elevated risk of adverse outcomes, including myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, and prolonged hospitalization.

Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to perform both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the literature, including publication volume, contributing countries and institutions, leading authors, and keyword co-occurrence patterns.

Results: A comprehensive search of the Web of Science Core Collection database was performed for publications on trauma and arrhythmia from January 2014 to December 2024, yielding 5,840 relevant articles. The annual number of publications increased steadily, peaking in 2021 (764 articles), followed by a slight decline in 2022 (756 articles). The United States was the most productive country, accounting for 2,056 articles (35.2%). The Mayo Clinic emerged as the leading institution (107 articles), and Dr. Shinsuke Miyazaki was the most prolific author (34 articles, 0.58%). Frequently occurring keywords included atrial fibrillation, spinal cord injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, blunt chest trauma, traumatic brain injury, hip fracture, head trauma, chest trauma, pelvic fracture, and spinal cord injury. Among trauma types, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, chest trauma, pelvic fracture, and post-traumatic stress disorder were most strongly associated with arrhythmia development, with atrial fibrillation being the predominant arrhythmic subtype.

Conclusion: This study represents the first bibliometric analysis to map the global research landscape of trauma-related arrhythmia. It delineates current research trends, identifies key contributors and thematic foci, and offers novel insights to guide future investigations into the mechanisms, prevention, and management of trauma-induced arrhythmias, while also forecasting emerging research hotspots.