Trends in research on preterm birth in twin pregnancy based on bibliometrics.

BACKGROUND

Twin pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of perinatal mortality compared to singleton pregnancies. This study evaluated the developmental trends and summarized the key features of research on preterm births in twin pregnancies.

METHODS

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications on preterm births in twin pregnancies from 2014 to 2023, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Network and visual analyses were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. In total, 1,378 articles were included.

RESULTS

The number of publications in this field has shown a steady increase over the past decade. The United States, China, and England collectively contributed more than half of all publications. King's College London, Columbia University, and Jefferson University were identified as the most influential institutions, fostering extensive collaboration and academic exchange. Am J Obstet Gynecol emerged as the most cited journal. Research has predominantly focused on clinical practices, including prevention strategies, risk factor identification, and perinatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis offers a comprehensive overview of research trends on preterm births in twin pregnancies, highlighting major contributors, influential institutions, and primary research foci. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers, aiding the identification of future research directions in this critical field.