Application of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in ankylosing spondylitis: Based on bibliometric and visualization analysis

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as a autoimmune disease involves inflammatory responses in the development of the disease, often causing changes in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). In the past few decades, research on the relationship between NLR and AS has generally shown an upward trend. This study adopts the bibliometrics method to analyze the development trend, frontier, and hotspots of global research in this field in the past 2 decades. By searching for publications in the SCI-Expanded edition of the Web of Science Core Collection, the information of literature published between 2000 and 2023 is recorded. Based on the VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Excel, bibliometric analysis, and visualization analysis are conducted on the overall distribution of annual output, leading countries, active institutions, journals, authors, co-cited references, and keywords. Through retrieving and screening, a total of 1654 papers are obtained for analysis. In the past 2 decades, the number of publications related to this field has shown an increasing trend. The United States has the highest Hirsch index (H-index) and publication volume. The most productive institution is Harvard University, while the H-index of the University of Milan in Italy is far ahead. Frontiers in Immunology is the institution with the highest output. The H-index of the Annals of the Rheumatic holds the top position. This study has uncovered the main emphasis on NLR in AS research and has provided clarification regarding the value of NLR as a biomarker for immune inflammatory response in the diagnosis and prognosis of AS.