Artificial Intelligence in Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Study and Directions for Future Research

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Nephrology
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly applied in healthcare, particularly in kidney disease research.
• Understanding the growth, trends, and collaborations in AI for kidney disease is crucial for future research directions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze and quantify scientific output, research trends, and collaborative networks in AI applications for kidney disease.
• To identify leading journals, institutions, and countries contributing to AI in nephrology research.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of AI-related articles published in the Web of Science from 2012 to November 20, 2023.
• Descriptive analysis of publication growth rates by authors, journals, institutions, and countries.
• Network visualization of country collaborations and author keywords to identify research hotspots and trends.

Main Results:

• A significant exponential growth trend in annual publications on AI in kidney disease was observed.
• Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, American Journal of Transplantation, and Scientific Reports were leading journals.
• The United States, China, and India were the top contributing countries, with Mayo Clinic, Harvard University, and Sun Yat-Sen University as leading institutions.

Conclusions:

• The field of AI in kidney disease is dynamic and rapidly progressing, characterized by exponential growth.
• The analysis provides valuable insights into emerging patterns, technological shifts, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Findings aid in recognizing key players and trends to advance knowledge in AI-driven nephrology.