Global Trends on β-Thalassemia Research Over 10 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis

Int J Gen Med. 2024 Sep 11:17:3989-4001. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S479493. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Purpose: Thalassemia, an inherited quantitative globin disorder, is the most prevalent monogenic disease globally. While severe alpha thalassemia results in intrauterine death, β-thalassemia manifests during childhood due to the "second conversion of hemoglobin", garnering increased attention in recent decades.

Methods: In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted of thalassemia articles published in the Web of Science Core Collection database between 2013 and 2023 to establish a comprehensive overview and to identify emerging trends. A total of 5655 studies published between 2013 and 2023 were systematically retrieved, and annual publications demonstrated a steady increase, maintaining a high level over the past decade.

Results: The United States contributed the highest number of publications, followed by China. Notably, the journal Blood emerged as the leading authority in β-thalassemia research. Analysis of research hotspots revealed that the pathogenesis of β-thalassemia is primarily linked to iron overload, anemia, gene mutations, and ineffective erythropoiesis. Furthermore, recent studies focusing on gene editing therapies present promising avenues for future investigation.

Conclusion: These findings grasp the research status of β-thalassemia and shed new light on future research frontiers.

Keywords: VOSviewer; bibliometric; citespace; hotspots; thalassemia.

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Major Scientific Research Program for Young and Middle-aged Health Professionals of Fujian Province (grant no. 2023ZQNZD009), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 81970170), Joint Funds for the Innovation of Science and Technology, Fujian Province (grant no. 2021Y9173, 2021Y9174 and 2023Y9364), Startup Fund for scientific research, Fujian Medical University (grant no. 2023QH2044), Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 2023J011217), Innovation Platform Project of Science and Technology, Fujian province (grant no. 2021Y2012) and National Key Clinical Specialty Construction Program of China (Obstetric).