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

Background: 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. Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.