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Comparing Bibliometric Analysis Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases

Comparing Bibliometric Analysis Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases

Published on: October 24, 2019

Contribution of Arab Countries to Familial Mediterranean Fever Research: a PubMed-based bibliometric analysis

Diala El Masri¹, Bachar Alsaayed², Jad El Masri^3,4

¹Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Balamand, Nord, Lebanon.

Rheumatology International

|April 12, 2021

Abstract:

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease. One of the feared complications of FMF, amyloidosis is often correlated with an increased mortality rate. The severity of the disease is linked with different mutations in the MEFV gene that may favor different outcomes (amyloidosis, Bechet's disease…). Although several countries worldwide contribute remarkably to research related to FMF, Arab countries make up only a small part of this contribution. This study aims to estimate numerically the contribution of the Arab world to research conducted on FMF. PubMed is used to quantitate the number of FMF-related articles published by each Arab country from 2004 till 2019. The retrieved numbers are normalized with respect to each country's average population and average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and are also compared to those of some non-Arab countries having high FMF prevalence. In comparison with some non-Arab countries, the Arab world has a minor contribution of 3.80% to the total FMF-related publications, faced by 24.93% solely by Turkey. Out of total research done by Arab countries, FMF-related articles constitute no more than 0.133%. When normalized against the average population, Tunisia ranks first, followed by Lebanon. Similarly, normalizing the retrieved numbers of articles against average GDP shows that Tunisia and Lebanon come first and second, respectively. Only 8 Arab countries published a total of 13 articles concerning amyloidosis which makes 4.7% of the total Arabic FMF published articles. This study reflects an undoubtable need for more research to be conducted on FMF by the Arab countries, which suffer greatly from immense shortage in research productivity, due to the many obstacles and limitations these countries face every day.

Insights

Research from Arab countries on Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is limited, contributing only 3.80% globally. Tunisia and Lebanon lead in FMF research productivity relative to population and GDP, highlighting a need for increased output.

Area of Science:

Autoinflammatory diseases
Genetics
Epidemiology

Background:

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disorder.
Amyloidosis, a severe complication of FMF, is linked to increased mortality.
MEFV gene mutations influence FMF severity and outcomes, including amyloidosis and Bechet's disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To numerically assess the Arab world's contribution to Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) research.
To compare FMF research output from Arab nations with non-Arab countries and analyze normalized productivity.
To identify specific research gaps, particularly concerning FMF-related amyloidosis within Arab countries.

Main Methods:

PubMed database utilized to quantify FMF-related publications from Arab countries (2004-2019).
Article counts normalized by average population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for each country.
FMF research output compared with select non-Arab countries and analyzed for amyloidosis-specific contributions.

Main Results:

The Arab world contributed only 3.80% to global FMF publications, with Turkey alone contributing 24.93%.
FMF research constitutes a mere 0.133% of total research from Arab countries.
Tunisia and Lebanon demonstrated the highest FMF research productivity when normalized by population and GDP, respectively. Only 8 Arab countries published 13 articles on FMF-related amyloidosis (4.7% of Arab FMF publications).

Conclusions:

Significant underrepresentation of Arab countries in global FMF research necessitates increased productivity.
Research output disparities highlight the need for targeted initiatives to boost FMF studies in the Arab world.
Addressing research limitations is crucial for better understanding and managing FMF and its complications like amyloidosis in affected populations.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Amyloidosis Arab Countries Bibliometric analysis FMF MEFV gene Research productivity

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