Abstract:

Objective: To analyze the research characteristics, hot topics, and knowledge context in the field of post-tuberculosis sequelae using bibliometric methods, so as to provide references for further in-depth exploration in this field. Methods: Based on the Web of Science Core Collection database (a rigorously curated repository of high-quality academic resources covering multiple sub-databases including SCIE and SSCI, which systematically presents global research outcomes in the field), relevant “articles” and “reviews” on post-tuberculosis sequelae published between January 1, 2006, and December 1, 2025, were retrieved. Subsequently, two software tools—CiteSpaceV6.4.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used to conduct a systematic analysis of the literature’s publication characteristics, distribution of countries/institutions/authors, journal distribution, cooperation networks, literature co-citation relationships, as well as the clustering, co-occurrence, burstiness, and timeline evolution of keywords. Results: From 2006 to 2025, the number of publications on post-tuberculosis sequelae gradually increased from 2 in 2006 to 42 in 2025, showing a steady growth trend. These publications involved 45 countries/regions and 44 journals. The top five countries in terms of publication volume were the United States (74 articles), the United Kingdom (55 articles), South Africa (48 articles), China (36 articles), and South Korea (23 articles). The top three high-yield institutions were the University of Cape Town (10 articles), Stellenbosch University (9 articles), and the University of the Witwatersrand (7 articles). Keyword analysis revealed a total of 333 keywords and 671 connections, with a network density of 0.012. The clustering graph showed Q=0.6656 and S=0.8486, and the clusters were airflow obstruction, pulmonary rehabilitation, antiretroviral therapy, pulmonary function impairment, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, post-tuberculosis lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, risk factors, lung neoplasm, and pulmonary fibrosis in sequence. Research hotspots focused on post-tuberculosis lung disease, pulmonary function impairment, epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and social burden of post-tuberculosis sequelae, among which post-tuberculosis lung disease maintained a consistently high burst intensity. Conclusion: Current research on post-tuberculosis sequelae focuses on core topics such as airflow obstruction, post-tuberculosis lung disease, and pulmonary function impairment. Although there have been explorations related to pulmonary rehabilitation interventions, precise protocols and consensus guidelines are still lacking. Future research should focus on the core directions of pathogenesis, precise intervention, and rehabilitation management, increase research investment and exploration efforts, and improve the multidisciplinary collaboration system, so as to comprehensively enhance the quality of prevention and treatment of post-tuberculosis sequelae and the long-term health of patients.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Sequelae, Bibliometrics