Systemic sclerosis associated respiratory involvement: Scopus-based analysis of articles in 2013–2022

• Published in: Rheumatology international 2024-04, Vol.44 (4), p.693-702
• Main Authors: Doskaliuk, Bohdana, Kreminska, Iryna, Fedorchenko, Yulia, Zaiats, Liubomyr, Yatsyshyn, Roman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arthritis; Bibliometrics; Humans; Journal Impact Factor; Keywords; Lung diseases; Lung Diseases, Interstitial - diagnosis; Lung Diseases, Interstitial - etiology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Observational Research; Pulmonary hypertension; Rheumatology; Scleroderma; Scleroderma, Systemic - complications
• ISSN: 1437-160X; 0172-8172; 1437-160X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05535-2

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a complex autoimmune disorder, manifests as a convergence of rheumatologic, dermatologic, and pulmonary challenges. Among the severe complications contributing to morbidity and mortality are SSc Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) and pulmonary hypertension. Over the past decade, research on pulmonary involvement in SSc has intensified, leading to a heightened understanding of its pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies. Aim This study aims to provide a data-driven overview of the current state of systemic sclerosis research, identifying emerging trends and fostering informed decisions regarding resource allocation and research priorities. Methods A literature search was conducted in the Scopus database, using MESH keywords such as “systemic sclerosis” AND “lungs” OR “pulmonary hypertension” OR "interstitial lung disease". After applying exclusion criteria, a thorough analysis was performed, considering factors such as document category, authorship, journal source, citation frequency, country of publication, language, and keywords. The bibliometric analysis utilized Scopus as the preferred database, leveraging its extensive coverage, user-friendly interface, and commitment to data accuracy. Visual networks were constructed using VOSviewer software to map the relationships between keywords, countries, and authors. Altmetric Attention Scores (AAS) were employed to assess the social impact of articles. Results The analysis revealed a total of 2538 scholarly items, with 55.7% identified as open access. The USA (n = 532), Italy (n = 458), France (n = 304), Japan (n = 271), and the UK (n = 236) emerged as primary contributors, with English being the predominant language. A notable upward tendency in annual publication and citation scores indicated sustained interest and relevance in SSc-ILD research. The top journals, including Rheumatology United Kingdom, Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology, Arthritis and Rheumatology, and Journal of Rheumatology, played a pivotal role in scholarly output. Original Articles (n = 1795; 70.7%) constituted the majority of publications, followed by Reviews, Letters, Notes, and Editorials. The analysis of publication impact within different scholarly formats revealed varying citation patterns, with Original Articles and Reviews leading in influence. The identification of influential research hubs and key contributors provided insights into