Global research trends of neuroinflammation in perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction: a bibliometric analysis

Perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND) is a significant complication in elderly surgical patients, characterized by cognitive decline and often linked to neuroinflammation. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 744 publications on PND-related neuroinflammation from 1999 to 2023, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel were employed to analyze publication trends, geographical distribution, and key research areas. Results showed a steady increase in publications, with China leading in output and the USA exerting significant influence. Key research areas included aging, cardiac surgery, microglial activation, and therapeutic targets. Recent studies focused on the NLRP3 inflammasome and microglial activation as central mechanisms. The analysis also identified emerging trends, such as the investigation of biomarkers and the potential of dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane in modulating neuroinflammation. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving research landscape, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to address PND. Future research should focus on elucidating the complex interactions between neuroinflammation and cognitive decline and exploring personalized interventions to improve patient outcomes.