July 2025, Volume 3, Issue 7

Author

Raju Vaishya, Anupam Sibal, Brij Mohan Gupta, Ghouse Modin N Mamdapur and Abhishek Vaish

Abstract

Purpose: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a growing concern in children and adolescents, with prevalence estimated between 7.6% and 9.6%. Given the significant rise in childhood obesity (up to 34%), early MAFLD identification and intervention are crucial to mitigate long-term health risks. Methods: This study conducted a scientometric assessment of global MAFLD publications from 2007-2024 to understand current research trends and future directions. Utilizing a targeted search strategy, 2,423 articles from 74 countries and 1,165 organizations were retrieved from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis and visualization, performed using MS-Excel and VOSviewer, explored co-authorship, co-occurrences of countries, organizations, authors, journals, and keywords. Results: The analysis revealed that the USA led in publications (29.63%), followed by China (15.02%) and Italy (13.83%). IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrica Gesu, Italy (141 publications), and the University of California, San Diego, USA (92 publications), were the most prolific institutions. Notably, Virginia Commonwealth University (13.08 CPP), Columbia University (6.81 CPP), and Indiana University School of Medicine (6.46 CPP) showed high citation per paper. Key journals publishing on MAFLD included the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition (n=70), Nutrients (n=53), and Hepatology (n=52). Research predominantly focused on clinical studies (34.89%), complications (18.58%), and pathophysiology (18.58%). Conclusion: This comprehensive bibliometric analysis offers essential insights into MAFLD research, highlighting publication trends and identifying areas for future exploration. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers dedicated to developing effective MAFLD treatments.