Bibliometric Analysis Highlights Expanding Focus on the Atopic Dermatitis-Inflammatory Bowel Disease Connection

Research exploring the relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has grown substantially over the past 2 decades, with increasing emphasis on shared disease mechanisms and translational therapeutic strategies, according to a bibliometric analysis.

AD and IBD are epidemiologically linked and share several pathogenic features, including barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and microbial dysbiosis. To better characterize the evolution of this research field, investigators analyzed English-language publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus between 2000 and 2025.

Following data harmonization and deduplication, the analysis included 1542 publications. Bibliometric mapping was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica to evaluate publication trends, collaborative networks, influential journals, and emerging research topics.

Annual publication output increased steadily throughout the study period, with a marked acceleration after 2020. The United States led in publication volume, citation count, and international collaboration, while Harvard University occupied a central position within institutional collaboration networks. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology ranked first for both citations and co-citations.

Keyword clustering and co-citation analyses identified 4 major research themes: gut microecology and immune regulation, shared inflammatory pathways and immune-mediated comorbidities, therapeutic strategies involving biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, and genetic susceptibility with causal inference.

The investigators observed an important shift in research priorities over time. According to the authors, the field “has gradually shifted from epidemiological associations and inflammatory mechanism exploration toward clinical translation and safety evaluation.”

The authors conclude that “AD-IBD research has evolved into a multidisciplinary field” with expanding contributions from Asia in addition to established centers in North America and Europe.

Reference

Li Z, Deng C, Lu B, et al. Evolving research hotspots and emerging trends in atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease: a bibliometric analysis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2026;19:616722. doi:10.2147/CCID.S616722