Narcolepsy: a machine learning bibliometric analysis (1996-2024)
Minheng Zhang1, Xiaodong Hu2, Haiyan Wu1
1First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
Frontiers in Neurology
|July 11, 2025
Summary
This bibliometric analysis reveals key trends in narcolepsy research, highlighting leading contributors and emerging topics like COVID-19 links and new treatments for sleepiness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Bibliometrics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Narcolepsy is a rare neurological disorder causing chronic sleepiness.
- Understanding global narcolepsy research is crucial for advancing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global narcolepsy research.
- To identify publication trends, key contributors, and emerging research areas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Web of Science Core Collection for article and review data.
- Employed bibliometric tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R for analysis.
- Assessed publication output, country/institution/author contributions, and keyword trends.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 5,215 publications from 1996-2024, showing significant citation growth.
- USA led publications; Stanford University, INSERM, and Université de Montpellier were top institutions.
- Keywords indicate a shift towards molecular mechanisms, comorbidities, and treatments like Pitolisant, Modafinil, and Sodium Oxybate.
Conclusions:
- Narcolepsy research is expanding, with increased focus on molecular aspects and comorbidities.
- Treatments such as Pitolisant, Modafinil, and Sodium Oxybate are prominent.
- Further research is needed on neurotransmitter interactions and factors affecting drug efficacy.
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