Bibliometric Analysis of the 50 Most Cited Publications in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has historically been a neglected disease. However, research in this field has grown exponentially in the past decade.

The top-cited HS articles from 1950 to 2020 were analyzed for authorship, study topic, study design, and senior author country of origin.

We found that nearly half of the top 50 cited articles were published in the last decade, with a recent increase in the number of highly cited randomized controlled trials. Medical treatment is the most cited topic, with more attention on biologics over time. The past decade has seen an increase in highly cited articles on HS comorbidities, pathogenesis, and clinical practice guidelines. There has been a predominance of highly cited HS research from Europe; highly cited studies from Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America are lacking.

Recent advances in HS research have focused on investigating HS pathogenesis and drug development, highlighting disease comorbidities, and improving evidence-based care. Studies in pathogenesis have translated into a paradigm shift in medical treatment from antibiotics to incorporation of targeted therapies in recent years. Encouraging growth of HS research in countries outside of North America and Europe may help to optimize HS care globally.