Key result
Atrial fibrillation anticoagulation research expands rapidly over two decades, driven by DOACs and contact phase inhibitors.
Why the study?
Anticoagulation is the cornerstone for stroke prevention in AF, and this study aimed to describe research trends and hotspots in anticoagulation and AF.
Research in atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, driven by the shift from warfarin to DOACs, with future trends pointing toward coagulation contact phase inhibitors.
Highlights expanding AF anticoagulation research; leaves open validation of contact phase inhibitors before clinical adoption.
BackgroundAnticoagulation has been the cornerstone for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to describe the research trends and research hotspots in anticoagulation and AF.MethodsPublications on AF and anticoagulation were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2004 to 2024 for bibliometric analyses.ResultsA total of 12,551 articles were retrieved. The number of publications increased each year, reaching its peak in 2021. The United States has the largest number of published articles (country appearances, 18,181), followed by Italy (6525) and Japan (6,235). The most productive institutions were Harvard University (658), McMaster University (570), and the University of Birmingham (550). LIP GYH was the most prolific author, with 707 articles published. 'Circulation' has the highest H-index (77), followed by the 'Thrombosis and Hemostasis' (73), 'Journal of the American College of Cardiology' (72). The keyword analysis revealed that the research focused on warfarin, stroke, dabigatran, direct oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban, antithrombotic therapy, prevention, safety, apixaban, and venous thromboembolism.ConclusionsResearch in AF and anticoagulation has expanded rapidly. Coagulation contact phase (such as coagulation factor XI and XII) inhibitors have emerged as a promising future therapeutic target, and there is a critical need for global collaboration to validate these strategies across diverse populations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Huang et al. (2026) conducted a review in Atrial Fibrillation (n=12,551). Bibliometric analysis was evaluated on Research trends, publication volume, and keyword hotspots. Research on atrial fibrillation and anticoagulation expanded rapidly from 2004 to 2024, driven by the transition to direct oral anticoagulants and emerging interest in coagulation contact phase inhibitors.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: