Global Research Trends in Beta-Blocker Poisoning: A Bibliometric Analysis of Scopus-Indexed Literature from 2020 to 2026

Abstract

Background: Beta-blocker poisoning is an important clinical toxicological emergency that may cause severe cardiovascular and neurological complications. Despite advances in the management of beta-blocker toxicity, the recent scientific landscape of this field has not been sufficiently characterized using bibliometric methods. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate publication trends and the distribution of authors, institutions, countries, document types, and research areas in the literature on beta-blocker poisoning between 2020 and 2026. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. Publications were retrieved using the search strategy tıtle-abs-key (beta-blocker and poisonings) and pubyear > 2019 and pubyear < 2027. The retrieved literature was evaluated according to publication year, authors, institutional affiliations, countries/territories, document types, subject areas, and funding sponsors Results: A total of 58 publications were identified. Annual scientific output fluctuated during the study period, with the highest number of publications recorded in 2022 (n=12), followed by 2025 (n=11). Scopus - Analyze search results Original articles constituted 69.0% of the literature, followed by reviews (13.8%) and book chapters (6.9%). Medicine was the predominant subject area (59.5%), followed by pharmacology/toxicology-related disciplines (17.6%). Scopus - Analyze search results J.B. Cole was the most productive author displayed in the Scopus analysis, while Minnesota Poison Control was the leading affiliation. Scopus - Analyze search results The United States showed the greatest country-level contribution, while the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Canada, China, Germany, Iran, Turkey, and Japan were also represented. Conclusion: Research on beta-blocker poisoning between 2020 and 2026 demonstrated sustained but fluctuating scientific activity, with a predominance of original medical research and substantial contributions from the United States. The international distribution of publications indicates broad scientific interest in this clinically important toxicological condition. Future studies incorporating broader databases and network-based bibliometric techniques may provide further insight into collaboration patterns, influential research themes, and emerging areas of beta-blocker poisoning research.