Landmark publications on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A bibliometrics analysis.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a poorly understood disorder, and its pathophysiology and risk factors remain unclear. Research in the area is the key to combating the pervasive prevalence of this fatal disorder. We sought to identify the top 50 articles concerning SIDS and study their bibliometric characteristics to gain an insight into the research trends in this area. Using the Scopus database, two independent reviewers conducted a literature search using a prespecified search string. Results were arranged according to the citation count, and the top 50 relevant articles were selected. No time restrictions were set, and all types of articles were included. A detailed analysis was carried out to identify the trends and characteristics of the top 50 articles. The top 50 articles were published between 1972 and 2011, with the most productive 5-year interval being 1991-1995. These 50 papers accumulated a total of 13,703 citations (median = 236 citations per paper). Among these, about 9% were self-citations. The citations received by these core papers seemed to decline post-2009. The top 50 articles were published in 21 different journals, with Pediatrics contributing the most (n = 15). US authors were listed for 60% of the articles (n = 30). None of the articles originated from Asian authors. Our manuscript highlights the characteristics of impactful articles on SIDS - and this can act as a directive for researchers aiming to publish on this topic. Bibliometric parameters suggest a decreasing research interest in the fi eld of SIDS, which is concerning, and efforts should be made to promote research. Furthermore, the lack of influential research from Asian authors is also troubling. Funding should preferably be directed toward Asian researchers to bridge the gap in knowledge.

Primary closure versus T-tube drainage after open choledochotomy.

BACKGROUND: Choledochotomy followed by T-tube has long been a standard surgical treatment for choledocholithiasis. It is still a preferred choice in many hospitals where minimal invasive procedures are not feasible. The use of T-tube is not without complications. To avoid the complications associated with T-tube, we have performed primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) after exploration. This pilot study assesses the safety of primary closure of CBD, which would help form a basis for implementation on a wider scale. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical results of primary closure with T-tube drainage after open choledochotomy and assess the safety of primary closure for future application on a greater mass. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This comparative study was conducted at surgical unit IV Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, from January 2007 to December 2007. Thirty-five patients were included in the study of which 16 patients underwent primary closure. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients who had primary closure done (n = 16) was 46.0 +/-16.8 and there were two (12.5%) males and 14 (87.5%) females. After primary closure of the CBD, bile leakage was noted in one patient (6.3%), which subsided without any biliary peritonitis as compared to the T-tube group in which two patients (10.5%) had bile leakage. Postoperative jaundice was seen in one patient (5.3%) who had a T-tube because of a blockage of CBD. Not a single patient had a retained stone in both groups as well as no recurrence of CBD stones. The postoperative hospital stay after primary closure was 5.56 +/-1.1 days as compared to after T-tube drainage which was 13.6 +/-2.3 days. The total cost of treatment in patients who underwent primary closure was USD194.5 +/-41.5 but after T-tube drainage it was USD548.6 +/-88.5. The median follow up duration for both groups was 6 months. CONCLUSION: Primary CBD closure is a safe and cost effective alternative to routine T-tube drainage after open choledochotomy.