Bibliometric analysis and visualisation of research hotspots and frontiers in Takayasu's arteritis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is an uncommon granulomatous large-vessel vasculitis associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study endeavours to comprehend the research status and future frontiers through a bibliometric analysis. METHODS: Relevant original articles published in English were acquired from the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection. Analysis of countries/regions, institutions, authors, co-cited references, and keywords were done using Citespace and VOSviewer software. RESULTS: The final analysis included 2215 documents contributed by 9091 scholars from 2053 institutions in 83 countries, with the United States being the largest contributor globally. Institutional and author collaboration analysis showed that collaborations are scattered and lack stable and intensive collaborative relationships. The journal 'Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology' was the most prolific journal. Anti-endothelial cell antibodies, interleukin-6, adalimumab, colour Doppler ultrasonography, and stents and prosthesis were the main research areas in TAK.Double-blind multicentre clinical trials, disease activity evaluation and cytokines were identified to be recent keyword bursts. CONCLUSIONS: Although the area of TAK research is growing rapidly, intensive institutional and author collaboration has to be fostered in the future to fuel TAK research and information dissemination. Future research on TAK may revolve around cytokines, disease activity evaluation and clinical trials.