Current trends and prospects of multiple sclerosis research in Arab countries

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex and intractable neurological disease associated with substantial morbidity, healthcare utilization, management cost, and lost productivity. Recently, there has been an alarming increase in the number of MS cases in Arab countries that has spurred an increase in local research. Aims: To analyse the MS research profile in Arab countries. Methods: A total of 781 publications on research on MS in Arab countries from 1983 to 2021 were extracted from the Web of Science database and analysed by bibliometric techniques. Results: MS research productivity has grown sharply in the last decade, both internationally and in Arab countries. However, Arab counties have only contributed 0.8% of the overall number of publications. Keyword pattern analysis showed that magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography, expanded disability status, demyelination, and epidemiology were the major themes of the MS research in Arab countries. Case–control, cohort, and descriptive studies were the most prevalent study designs. However, there was a notable paucity of meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and clinical trials. Conclusion: This is believed to be the first study of its kind to illustrate the increase in MS publications in Arab countries, and the potential for future growth and international collaboration. Arab countries can improve their regional expertise and add a wealth of knowledge to the global MS resources by diversifying their current research, and following recent advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of MS.

Disability Research in Arab Countries: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…Multiple sclerosis emerged as the most studied disability, as evidenced by the presence of four publications on this topic among the top 10 most cited publications. The rise in multiple sclerosis cases in Arab countries in recent years has likely driven increased research in that area (Taslim et al, 2022). Prevalence rates of multiple sclerosis have increased across the Eastern Mediterranean region, including Arab countries, according to a report by The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (2020).…”

Scientometric Analysis and Mapping of Scientific Articles on Multiple Sclerosis-Related Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

“…Despite the growing body of studies, there is currently no scientometric analysis on this issue. 10 , 11 Scientometric analyses are more frequently utilized for funding allocation, carrier selection, and evaluation procedures. 12 Moreover, scientometric analyses are useful for understanding the background and present state of a particular subject of research.…”