Vitiligo: A quantitative analysis of the world research output during 2001-2012

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluates vitiligo research carried out in different countries of the world during 2001-2012 using bibliometric indicators. Data of the present study has been obtained from Scopus (http://www.scopus) database using the keywords “Alopecia universalis” “onychodystrophy” “Schrander-Stumpel Theunissen Hulsmans syndrome”, “Spastic paraplegia”, “Pigmentation Disorders”, “Hypopigmentation” during the period of study. The study examined the type of documents, country-wise contribution, subject-wise distribution, most productive institutions, most productive authors, highly productive journals and highly cited papers in vitiligo research. A total of 4091 papers were published during 2001-2012 at the annual growth rate of (20.24%). USA is the most productive country which shared (19.41%) of the world publications. India holds 2nd rank with 388 (9.48%) papers. Overall, 50 or more citations have been witnessed to 207 papers. Germany, France, Spain and Japan activity index has been come down during the period of 2007-2012. However, majority of leading institutions are located in developed countries such as USA, UK, France and Germany. Nevertheless, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh has been identifi ed the most productive institution in vitiligo research. Besides this, Karin Uta Schallreuter from University of Bradford is found the most productive author who has contributed 45 articles. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology’ is identifi ed the most productive journal. In the last two decades considerable progress has been made to cope this affl iction, nevertheless scientist are not able to develop a vaccine. It is expected that in near future a vaccine will be available in the market to counter the disease.

Keywords: Activity index; bibliometric study; dermatology; vaccine