Mapping Knowledge Structure and Themes Trends of Trace elements and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study aimed at providing an overview of the current state and the emerging role of trace elements in chronic kidney disease (CKD) using a bibliometric approach. Methods: Scientific literature on CKD published between Jan 2000 to Nov 2021 was identified and retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) databases. Bibliometric analysis and visualization, including annual outputs, core journals, keywords, co-authorship, citation, and co-cited analysis were carried out using software like R, VOSviewer, Citespace, Scimago, and Pajek. Correlation analysis using quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as publication and citation counts, H-index, and journal citation reports was carried out using R and Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 2551 articles published mainly in the USA, China, and Japan were identified. The University of São Paulo was found to be the most prolific institution, Liu Y the most influential author, and Biological Trace Element Research was the most high-yield journal in this field of research. The top 5 trace elements of interest were divided into two groups; beneficial essential elements including zinc and selenium, and environmental toxicants including copper, cadmium, and aluminum. The top 5 researched keywords were found to be “chronic kidney disease”, “oxidative stress”, “zinc”, “copper”, and “hemodialysis”. Conclusions: This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to summarize the trends and structure of trace elements and CKD. Areas like clusters of nutritional status, outcomes of nephropathy, influences of environmental toxicity, and the metabolism of trace elements have been observed to get increasing attention from researchers.