Pulmonary Embolism and Systemic Thrombolytic Therapy: An In-Depth Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition often resulting from deep vein thrombosis, with significant morbidity and mortality. Thrombolytic therapy is a common treatment, particularly in high-risk cases. Despite numerous studies on pulmonary embolism, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends and impacts, especially regarding thrombolytic therapy, is lacking. Methods: This bibliometric analysis utilized the Web of Science database to collect and evaluate literature published between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2023. A total of 282 articles were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix R, focusing on publication trends, citation counts, and collaborative networks. Results: The analysis identified a progressive increase in pulmonary embolism-related publications, peaking in 2020 and 2022. The United States led in publication volume, followed by Turkey and China. Despite high publication numbers, Turkey's citation count was relatively low, highlighting potential gaps in research impact and quality. The study also revealed that European countries exhibit stronger international collaborations compared to the United States. Key research trends shifted post-2018 towards topics such as mortality, bleeding, COVID-19, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides a detailed overview of the research landscape on pulmonary embolism and thrombolytic therapy, highlighting evolving research priorities, the significance of funding opportunities, and the importance of international collaborations. The study's insights can guide future research directions and inform clinical practices, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.