Broomfield Hospital

This bibliometric analysis aims to describe research trends and assess the methodological quality of the highest-impact SLNB research in melanoma.

We identified the 90 most cited publications on SLNB in melanoma using Web of Science, covering all available journal years (from 2005 to date). The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) Levels of Evidence (LOE) were used to assess the methodological quality of each study.

The 90 most cited publications on SLNB in melanoma collectively garnered 10,314 citations. Citation counts per publication ranged from 44 to 1,405 (mean 114.6 ± 185.2), with the highest-cited study authored by Professor Donald Morton et al. The majority of publications was classified as LOE 3 (n = 36). The United States of America (USA) led in publication output with 43 articles. Professors Merrick Ross (USA) and John Thompson (Australia) were the leading authors by publication count. The University of Sydney (Australia), University of Texas System, and Anderson Cancer Center (USA) were the top contributing institutions. Annals of Surgical Oncology published most articles.

This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview and valuable reference for future researchers in the field of SLNB in melanoma.

A one-year-old boy was brought to the dermatology clinic with a patch of hair growth on the anterior neck, first noted at six months of age. On examination, a well-defined patch of terminal hair was noted on the anterior midline of the neck.

This review outlines the development of the axial spondyloarthritis disease activity score (ASDAS) as a composite index to assess disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and guide treatment decisions. Our review describes the iterative process by which the ASDAS was validated and its cut off values and improvement scores developed. We compare the ASDAS to the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) as a tool for measuring disease activity in axSpA and how its better measurement properties have led to its widespread use in clinical and research settings.

Recent international guidelines have recommended the use of the ASDAS as a tool for measuring and monitoring disease activity. ASAS has changed the nomenclature so that ASDAS is based on CRP values whereas ASDAS-ESR retains its original meaning. The BASDAI can be employed as an alternative tool when using the ASDAS is not possible. The ASDAS now forms an important outcome measure in clinical trials and aiming for ASDAS remission has been shown to retard radiographic progression in axSpA.

The ASDAS demonstrates improved measurement properties, including greater validity and sensitivity to change, compared to single item variables. It offers a unified metric that enables healthcare professionals to collaborate and communicate more effectively about disease activity and treatment response to interventions in axSpA.