Exploring Research Trends and Mechanisms: Maternal Diabetes and Neural Tube Defects (1991-2023).

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Developmental Biology
• Public Health

Background:

• Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a major global congenital neuropathy.
• Maternal diabetes is a significant risk factor for NTDs.
• Existing research lacks systematic analysis of maternal diabetes and NTDs, including pathogenesis and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze the literature on neural tube defects and maternal diabetes.
• To elucidate the correlation, pathogenesis, and preventive strategies for NTDs in offspring of diabetic mothers.
• To identify research focal points and future trends in this field.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 382 articles and reviews from 1991-2023.
• Utilized Web of Science Core Collection and CiteSpace software.
• Performed co-occurrence/citation network analysis and knowledge visualization mapping.

Main Results:

• Annual publication rates show an increasing trend.
• University of Maryland Baltimore led in publications; key journals identified.
• Research focus centers on the pathogenesis of maternal diabetes-induced NTDs, with the US as a leading contributor.

Conclusions:

• Bibliometric analysis visualizes the research landscape of maternal diabetes and NTDs.
• Identified key research areas and trends, emphasizing pathogenesis.
• Future research should focus on novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for diabetes-related NTDs.