Global Research Trends in Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis (2016–2025)

Global RA-ILD research has evolved from early Euro-American unipolar dominance to a multipolar collaborative pattern, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and China forming the leading research echelons. Top American medical centers including Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital dominate global collaborative networks, while European and East Asian institutions constitute regional research clusters.

RA-ILD research exhibits distinct interdisciplinary characteristics, co-led by mainstream rheumatology and respiratory medicine journals, supplemented by immunology and general medical journals. Research hotspots have undergone a clear phased evolution: early studies focused on inflammatory pathogenesis, alveolar lesions and conventional immunosuppressive treatment, followed by efficacy verification of biological agents, while recent emerging frontiers prioritize non-invasive lung ultrasound assessment, targeted anti-fibrotic medications including pirfenidone and nintedanib, and real-world clinical evidence.

This evolutionary trajectory indicates that global RA-ILD research has been steadily transitioning from basic pathological cognition toward interdisciplinary integration, standardized diagnosis, and precise targeted clinical intervention.