A Bibliometric Analysis of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Objective: The goal of this study is to explore the research advancements on Post-COVID-19 syndrome, through bibliometric analysis, thus summarizing our current comprehension of the subject and suggesting directions for future research strategies. Methods: We acquired literature data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and conducted keyword and country analyses utilizing CiteSpace and R-project tools. Results: Until November 2, 2022, a total of 3633 publications were cataloged from WoSCC. The key terms commonly associated with Post-COVID-19 syndrome symptoms included: immune response, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, acute lung injury, mental health, and quality of life. The United States emerged as leading in both producing the most research and fostering international cooperation. It was observed that the output of publications from a country is directly proportional to the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases and deaths therein. Conclusion: Utilizing bibliometric analysis, the study highlights the detrimental impact of mental health issues on Post-COVID-19 patients' quality of life, emphasizing the urgency for further research and treatment. The sheer scale of COVID-19 cases underscores this need, while international collaboration emerges as a pivotal tool for advancing our understanding and addressing this challenge.