The evolution and frontiers of global pediatric glucocorticoids research: an in-depth analysis based on 28 years of bibliometrics.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are critical medications widely used in pediatric clinical practice, playing a pivotal role in treating various acute and chronic diseases. As research continues to advance, the volume of GC-related literature in pediatrics has increased annually, covering fundamental mechanisms, clinical applications, and long-term management. However, a systematic bibliometric analysis of the developmental trajectory, knowledge structure, and cutting-edge trends in global pediatric GC research remains lacking. Literature related to pediatric GCs published between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2025, was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (Science Citation Index Expanded) database according to the inclusion criteria. Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix software, multidimensional quantitative analysis and visualization were conducted on the included literature's countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and references. This study included 5071 eligible publications. Research on childhood GCs has shown a consistent upward trend over the past 28 years, reaching a peak in publications in 2021. The USA ranked first in both publication volume and total citation frequency. McGill University made the most significant contribution, while Emory University demonstrated the strongest academic influence. Binder, Elisabeth B., and McGowan, P. O., are among the most influential authors and co-cited authors in this field. The reference with the highest burst intensity is "McGowan PO, 2009, Nat Neurosci, V12, p342, https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.2270 ." The keyword clustering diagram divides all keywords into 18 clusters, with "respiratory distress syndrome" exhibiting the strongest burst. A combined analysis of keywords and references reveals two primary research hotspots in this field: optimizing the clinical application of pediatric GCs during the perinatal period and in chronic diseases and investigating the long-term safety of pediatric GCs and their impact on growth and development. Future frontier research will focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of pediatric GCs. Over the past 28 years, pediatric GC research has made significant strides, with its application model shifting markedly from empirical clinical treatment to mechanism-based precision management. Moving forward, comprehensive international collaboration in this field should be strengthened to tackle critical challenges in emerging and frontier areas, thereby safeguarding children's health.