A bibliometric analysis of global scientific production on cesarean and anesthesia

Abstract

Aim. Bibliometric studies can be performed to evaluate the quantitative scientific performance on a specific topic via evaluating the accumulation of scientific data. Interpreting quantitative performance of a country with respect to bibliometric analyses is also an important way to assess the quality and quantity of that country's contribution to the distribution of medical data about a topic. In this study, we aimed to make a quantitative analysis of the scientific publications related to anesthesia and cesarean delivery; and also to investigate publications originating from Turkish institutions and authors, which are published in Expanded covered medical journals. Method. We retrospectively searched papers published in the field of anesthesia and cesarean delivery up to November 2012 by using the Web of Science software. Papers that were published in Science Citation Index Expanded covered journals were taken into account. Results. Web of Science based search through the database of SCI Expanded up to November 2012, revealed 4637 English scientific documents related to anesthesia and cesarean delivery. Among 4637 English publications, we found that 1262 (27.2%) from United States of America, followed by England (16.9%), Canada (6.5%), Germany (5.6%), France (4.2%), Australia (4.1%), and Turkey (3%). All other countries had a contribution smaller than 3%. Turkey had 458 (3%) publications and ranked 7 in this list. The international scientific repertory was relatively poor on our topic before 1991. On the other hand, we observed an international acceleration with respect to the publication number after 2000s. Publications from Turkey showed up only after 1996. Turkey's contribution to international repertory seems to speed up after 2002. The document types up to the date of the study (November 2012) classified by Web of Science in English SCI Expanded-based were mostly articles (71.8%) and letters (9.7%). The main source of publications from all over the world was the university hospitals. Conclusion. In conclusion, we observed that the quantity and quality of research in the field of anesthesia for cesarean delivery has increased rapidly in the last decade. Turkey made a remarkable contribution to this repertory especially during the last decade. Anesthesia for cesarean section as a unique procedure having a potential to be harmful for mother and fetus still needs several investigations to improve maternal and neonatal health.