Bibliometric Analysis of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy Research in the Past Two Decades

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is a prevalent food allergy in children with a rising global incidence. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis that links CMPA research trends to inflammation and immunological mechanisms is lacking.

This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of CMPA-related literature from 2004 to 2024, utilizing the Web of Science database and tools such as Vosviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix. The analysis explored publication trends, country/institution/author contributions, collaboration networks, journal impacts, high-frequency keywords, co-cited references, and citation bursts.

Recent years have seen significant growth in CMPA research, with publications peaking in 2022. Key contributors are the US, Italy, and China; Europe and America collaborate closely, while Asia, especially China, could enhance international cooperation. Leading authors like Vandenplas Y and Nowak-Wegrzyn A guide research and enjoy academic recognition. Core institutions, e.g. Icahn School of Medicine, have extensive networks. High-quality research appears in journals like Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, and Nutrients shows interdisciplinary trends. Hotspots include CMPA and oral immunotherapy (OIT). Foundational guidelines and reviews are key references. Citation bursts highlight research frontiers. Future research directions identified include immunotherapy, prevention strategies, and specific milk protein components, with OIT emerging as a key immunological intervention associated with immune tolerance induction.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of CMPA research, emphasizing growth trends, hotspots, and future directions. By integrating bibliometric insights with immunological perspectives, it underscores the interplay between clinical management and mechanistic studies, particularly in the context of inflammation and immune regulation.