Trends in Type of Original Psoriasis Publications by Decade, 1960 to 2010

Abstract

Context: Research investigating psoriasis has spanned decades, and as our understanding of the disease has evolved, the focus of publications has changed.

Objective: We sought to characterize the trends in original psoriasis-related research from 1960 to 2010 chronologically by decade.

Methods: A literature review was performed using the keyword psoriasis in the MEDLINE database. All original psoriasis-related articles published at the beginning of each decade were searched and categorized by study type and topic.

Main outcome measure: Number of articles per topic.

Results: A total of 869 original psoriasis-related articles were found. The number of publications increased 18 fold over 5 decades. The immunology and pathogenesis of psoriasis was the most frequently researched topic (36%), and retrospective studies were the most common study type (37%). Recent highly published topics included biologic therapy, genetics, and psoriasis-associated cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion: Original psoriasis-related publications have grown substantially since 1960. Basic science research into the immunology and pathogenesis has been and continues to be the mainstay of psoriasis research. Recent research trends suggest the focus has expanded to topics such as psoriasis-associated cardiovascular disease, genetics, and biologic therapy.

Figure 1

Number of articles by topic and decade. CV = cardiovascular comorbidities; oral = oral therapy; photo = phototherapy; topical = topical therapy.

Figure 2

Number of articles by study type and decade.