Abstract
Background: Citation classics have been published in almost all medical fields. The main objective of this study was to provide the readers with a complete updated guide using two different citation tracking sources in assessing respiratory literature published in respiratory specific or general medical journals.
Methods: Scopus Library database (www.scopus.com) was used to determine the 50 most cited articles regarding respiratory medicine using the subject category “respiratory system.” The results from the database were sorted using the option “Times cited.”
Results: The top 50 articles were published during the time period 1987–2008, with most articles (n = 22) published from 1996 to 2000.The topic that had the highest number of articles (n = 15) was chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) followed by asthma (n = 10).
Conclusion: A periodic evaluation of the top cited articles can help researchers identify the quality of work in respiratory system and pinpoint subtopics which have not been given due consideration.
Determine important characteristics such as publication years and topics explored in those years in respiratory medicine.
Determine top cited journals steering the field of respiratory medicine.
Determine different countries working extensively in the field of respiratory medicine.
Helping researchers pinpoint the topics that have been studied vastly in the field of respiratory medicine.
Highlighting areas that have not been given due consideration in the respected field.
Highlighting the importance of citation before their information is assimilated into common knowledge.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.