Mapping theme trends and knowledge structure of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), a bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2021

Abstract

Background: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease with a complicated pathophysiology, and treatment strategies are in desperate need of improvement. In this research, we provide the literature topic trends and knowledge structure connected to Sjögren's syndrome from the perspective of bibliometrics for further research.

Methods: We acquired 3753 publications from the PubMed database and 3880 catalogs from the Web of Science Core Collection, with a time limit of 2010 to 2021 and the search term as "Sjögren's syndrome." Using the VOSviewer and bibliographic item co-occurrence matrix generator, we conducted cocited analysis, extracted major MeSH terms, generated matrices and performed biclustering analysis, visual matrix, drawn strategy diagram, and social network analysis.

Results: Through the clustering of the major MeSH terms, a total of five categories and 10 research topics were identified. Cocitation analysis suggests that diagnosis and clinical manifestations have been the main basis over the past 12 years and also are the mature content in the first quadrant of the strategy map. Ultrasonography, immunosuppressive agents and therapy, mechanism and therapeutic targets, and diagnostic autoantibodies are examples of the third quadrant, which wields great potential to progress. Genetic predisposition and psychology, in the fourth quadrant, need to be developed additionally. The subject keywords near the network's edge, such as "Salivary Glands, Minor/pathology," "Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use," and "Autoantibodies/blood," are all growing research hotspots with much space, according to social network analysis.

Conclusion: Through bibliometric analysis of the literature related to Sjögren's syndrome in the past 12 years, we obtained the knowledge basis, undeveloped topics, and emerging hotspots, which can suggest recommendations for future research. Key Points • We disclosed the topic trends and knowledge structure of Sjögren's syndrome literature over the past 12 years. • Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome are included in mature and comprehensive studies, whereas ultrasonography, immunosuppressants and treatments, mechanisms and therapeutic targets, and diagnostic autoantibodies are studies with high potential for advancement. Additional research in genetics and psychology is needed. • We identified potential future research hotspots, including "Salivary Glands, Minor/pathology," "Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use," and "Autoantibodies/blood."

Keywords: Biclustering analysis; Cocited analysis; Coword analysis; Hot research topics; Sjögren’s syndrome; Social network analysis; Strategic diagram.