Scholarly knowledge fundamentals and dynamic research hotspots in the field of burns and immunology: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Background

An estimated 180,000 burn deaths occur each year, and the immune system plays a vital role in wound healing and burn complications, including inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress. This paper aims to explore the basic knowledge and dynamic hotspots in burns and immunology research with bibliometric methods.

Methods

Through systematic retrieval, we ensured all the documents complied with our retrieval strategy and were included in the Science Citation Index-Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection. Using bibliometric methodologies, the general information was delineated; and foundational knowledge, as well as dynamic research hotspots, were ascertained through VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R-bibliometrix.

Results

8758 publications were identified from January 1st, 2000, to June 17th, 2024. The most productive and collaborative country was the USA; Harvard University was the most productive affiliation; and the most productive author was David N. Herndon. According to source analysis, the highest-impact journal is Burns. Historically, “expression” was the most frequently occurring word. “Delivery” was the most frequently occurring word in recent years.

Conclusion

The domain of burns and immunology has reached a zenith, with a modest decline in publication output over the past two years, yet it continues to evolve robustly. The focal points of inquiry have evolved from the initial appraisal of immunotherapeutic interventions for critical burn injuries to the elucidation of immune cell mechanisms in burn patients. Future research trajectory is poised to innovate therapeutic modalities, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and targeted drug delivery systems, to enhance precision in immune modulation.