Knowledge mapping of immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: a bibliometric study (2002-2021)

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy Research
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition.
• While ARC treatments are widely studied, bibliometric analyses of immunotherapy for ARC are scarce.
• This study aims to map current ARC treatments and identify immunotherapy research trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric analysis of immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC).
• To identify key research trends and predict future directions in ARC immunotherapy.
• To provide an overview of the current landscape of ARC treatment research.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of publications from the Web of Science Core Collection.
• Data retrieved on April 25, 2022.
• Analysis performed using CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel.

Main Results:

• A total of 969 English-language publications on ARC immunotherapy were identified.
• Research output has steadily increased over the last two decades, with significant contributions from Germany and the USA.
• Leading institutions include ALK Company, Imperial College London, and Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin. Prominent journals are 'Allergy' and 'Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology'.
• Key topics include subcutaneous immunotherapy, international consensus, allergen immunotherapy, and recommendations.
• Research directions point towards studies on ARC mechanisms, clinical trials, and allergen extracts.

Conclusions:

• Research quality in ARC immunotherapy has improved over 20 years, enabling targeted treatments.
• Current research focuses on novel drug delivery methods and combination therapies with biological agents for ARC.