A bibliometric analysis of meta-analyses in multiple sclerosis: Publication trends, thematic structures, and collaboration networks

Abstract

Background & Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disorder with a growing body of meta-analytical research. However, the bibliometric structure, thematic trends, and collaborative patterns of this literature have not been systematically assessed. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of meta-analyses related to MS, identifying publication trends, thematic structures, key contributors, and international collaboration networks.

Methods: A total of 932 meta-analyses published between 1995 and 2026 were included. Analyses were conducted using the Biblioshiny interface of the Bibliometrix R package. Bibliometric indicators and network- based methods, including co-authorship, co-citation, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic mapping, were applied.

Results: The number of MS-related meta-analyses increased steadily, with an annual growth rate of 2.26%, and a notable rise after 2010. The most prolific authors were Mirmosayyeb O., Shaygannejad V., and Ghajarzadeh M. The United States and the United Kingdom held central roles in international collaboration networks. Keyword co-occurrence analyses showed growing attention to patient-centered outcomes such as fatigue, disability, and quality of life. Nevertheless, thematic mapping indicated that diagnostic and epidemiological topics remain the most developed and central.

Conclusions: Meta-analytic research in MS has grown substantially, reflecting increasing methodological rigor and global collaboration. While traditional clinical themes dominate, patient-centered and rehabilitation-related topics are emerging yet underrepresented. Targeting these gaps may enhance future MS research.