Global research landscape of C3 glomerulopathy: A bibliometric analysis

AIM: C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare, complement-mediated kidney disease with significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Despite a growing number of publications, no study has comprehensively mapped the global research landscape. This bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate publication trends, influential contributors, thematic evolution, and collaboration networks in C3G research from 1980 to 2025. MATERIALS AND METHODS: package in R (v4.3) and VOSviewer (v1.6.20). Citation data were verified via Google Scholar. RESULTS: were the leading publication venues. The United States, United Kingdom, and Italy were the most productive countries, with emerging contributions from China, India, and Türkiye. S. Sethi was the most prolific author (24 papers). Keyword co-occurrence and citation network analyses demonstrated a thematic shift from morphologic classification ("dense deposit disease") toward molecular and therapeutic paradigms ("complement inhibition," "iptacopan," "pegcetacoplan"). Collaboration networks remained modest and regionally clustered. CONCLUSION: Global research on C3G has evolved from descriptive pathology toward precision complement therapeutics. However, significant geographical disparities persist, emphasizing the need for stronger international collaboration and equitable access to emerging complement inhibitors.