Bibliometrics study of the foreign PCSK9 research trend and its implications

Objective Conducting Metrology study on the literature of foreign " proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9)" , combing the development process of the discipline, and predicting its future development trend, hope this research methodology could be generalized in research management. Methods PCSK9 related literature from 2003 to 2016 were searched and retrieved from Web of Science and PUBMED platform database. After data cleaning, the metrology tools are used to analyze the situation of the subject, the social network analysis of the authors, meanwhile, the scientific research management related information is also analyzed. Results After data cleaning, 1 593 valid records were obtained; the calculation results generated 30 nodes of PCSK9 research and development citation map; the statistical searched literature had a total of 3, 820 authors, and based on Price's theory, 163 high-yield core authors were calculated. Conclusions The international research on PCSK9 is fast increasing currently, both its literature and patents are showing rapid growth, which is closely related to the management level of scientific research projects. United States, France and other countries are at the forefront of research, formed a global research cooperation. It is urging that good scientific research management and communication play an important role which we should learn and make references. Key words: PCSK9; Bibliometrics; Visualization; Scientific research management