Global Research Trends in Sepsis-Associated Coagulopathy: A Web of Science-Based Bibliometric Analysis (2000-2024)

Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) is a critical determinant of organ dysfunction and mortality in patients with sepsis. While research in this field is rapidly expanding, a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of its knowledge landscape is lacking. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to delineate the global research status, identify thematic hotspots, and reveal emerging frontiers in the field of SIC from 2000 to 2024.

We retrieved publications related to SIC from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), with the final search conducted on May 27, 2025. Only original English-language 'Articles' were included. Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping were performed using VOSviewer (v1.6.18) and CiteSpace (v6.2.R6) to analyze countries, authors, journals, co-cited references, and keywords.

A total of 1715 publications were included. The annual publication volume showed an exponential growth trend, particularly after 2020. The United States was the leading country in publication output (471 articles, 27.5%), and Critical Care Medicine was the most productive journal (106 articles). The PROWESS trial published by Bernard GR et al (2001) was the most co-cited foundational document with 4,188 co-citations. Keyword analysis identified four major research clusters: (1) Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Endothelial Injury, (2) Diagnostic Biomarkers and Prognostic Assessment, (3) Anticoagulant Therapy and Clinical Management, and (4) Immunothrombosis and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs).

Over the past two decades, research on SIC has evolved from exploring fundamental coagulation pathways to investigating the intricate mechanisms of immunothrombosis. Current research hotspots focus on endothelial injury, NETs, and the development of precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This analysis provides a quantitative map of the knowledge structure and emerging trends in the SIC field, offering a valuable reference for future research priorities.