Rethinking Global Trends in Pediatric Lung Transplantation Research

We read with great interest the article by Yuan et al entitled “Research progress in pediatric lung transplantation: a bibliometric analysis.”[1] The authors have presented a comprehensive overview of global pediatric lung transplantation (PLT) research trends using bibliometric methods, offering valuable insights into publication patterns, institutional collaborations, and evolving research themes. This study highlights the progress in pediatric transplantation science and the increasing attention to pediatric-specific outcomes.

While we appreciate the methodological rigor and breadth of the analysis, we believe that bibliometric data should be cautiously interpreted within the context of clinical relevance. First, the observed geographic imbalance—with the United States contributing over 60% of publications—reflects the concentration of pediatric lung transplant programs but also underscores a lack of representation from emerging economies. Encouraging multicenter collaboration and fostering research capacity in developing regions would help bridge the global gap in pediatric transplantation outcomes. Second, the study reveals a shift in research focus from surgical techniques to survival and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. However, bibliometric trends alone may underestimate ongoing advances in perioperative management, immunomodulation, and ethical considerations in pediatric donor allocation, which deserve further narrative and clinical exploration.[2]

Finally, bibliometric analyses, while valuable for identifying macro-level patterns, could be complemented by systematic reviews or meta-analyses to link publication metrics with tangible improvements in graft survival, rejection management, and patient quality of life. Integrating citation-based mapping with outcome-driven evidence would provide a more clinically meaningful framework for future PLT research.

Overall, Yuan et al have made a timely and commendable contribution that underscores the need for interdisciplinary and geographically inclusive strategies to advance PLT.

Publication History

Received: 09 November 2025

Accepted: 18 December 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
22 December 2025

Article published online:
31 December 2025

• References

• 1 Yuan Q, Shen Z, Li Z. Research progress in pediatric lung transplantation: a bibliometric analysis. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2025; 73 (07) 577-586
• 2 Hayes Jr D, Cherikh WS, Harhay MO. et al; International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. The International Thoracic Organ Transplant Registry of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation: twenty-fifth pediatric lung transplantation report - 2022; focus on pulmonary vascular diseases. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022; 41 (10) 1348-1356