Application of multi-omics in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Multi-omics technologies have increasingly been applied to systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), yet the global research landscape and thematic evolution of this field remain unclear.

This study intends to systematically review the application status and development trends of multi-omics technologies in SARDs research over the past two decades via bibliometric analysis, so as to guide future research directions.

Relevant English literatures on multi-omics application in SARDs were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, covering the period from January 1, 2005, to Dec 31, 2025. Multi-omics was operationally defined as studies reporting integration of at least two omics layers in one investigation. After deduplication and visual screening, A total of 2576 documents (2072 research articles and 504 reviews) were included. Bibliometric and visual analyses were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Phthon and bibliometrix. R package.A complementary PubMed analysis was performed to validate thematic robustness and assess clinically oriented studies.

Annual output increased from 11 publications in 2005 to 525 by 2025, with three developmental phases: exploratory (2005-2015), acceleration (2016-2020), and expansion (2021-2025). China (27%) and the United States (17.3%) accounting for 44.3% of total output. European countries demonstrated higher international collaboration rates (MCP% up to 39.2%). Core institutions included Harvard University and the University of California et al. Keyword and burst analyses indicated a thematic shift from proteomics and synovial fluid profiling to epigenetics and metabolomics, and most recently to single-cell RNA sequencing-driven immune cell differentiation research. Citation analysis revealed a centralized intellectual structure anchored in high-impact immunology and rheumatology journals. PubMed validation confirmed consistent growth patterns and thematic concentration on biomarker discovery and mechanistic studies.

Multi-omics research in SARDs has progressed from bulk molecular characterization toward high-resolution immune cell-level investigation, with increasing emphasis on biomarker stratification and immune heterogeneity. By delineating developmental phases, global collaboration patterns, and thematic immunological shifts, this study provides a quantitative framework for evaluating the current maturity and future translational direction of multi-omics research in autoimmune diseases.