Bibliometric analysis of sacubitril/valsartan in the management of chronic kidney disease (2013–2025)

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue with progressive renal decline. Sacubitril–valsartan, the first angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), offers a novel therapeutic approach with potential renoprotective effects in patients with CKD.Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted using 254 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (January 2013 to June 2025). Search terms included ‘sacubitril/valsartan’ and keywords related to CKD. Data were analyzed and visualized using CiteSpace V6.3.R6, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and R software (Bibliometrix package). Techniques included coauthorship, co-citation, co-occurrence analysis, burst detection, and thematic mapping.Results The literature on sacubitril/valsartan in CKD has increased steadily over time, with China and the United States contributing the largest number of publications; the United States showed higher betweenness centrality (0.33). Novartis and Harvard University were among the most productive sources, while ESC Heart Failure had the highest number of publications. The New England Journal of Medicine was the most frequently co-cited journal. Keyword and timeline analyses indicate emerging research themes, including combination therapy with SGLT2 inhibitors, precision medicine, and applications in cardiorenal syndrome, CKD, and end stage renal disease (ESRD).Conclusions This bibliometric analysis delineates the evolving research landscape of sacubitril/valsartan in CKD from 2013 to 2025, highlighting sustained growth, key contributors, and emerging research themes. The findings underscore increasing attention to cardiorenal applications, precision medicine, and combination therapies, while also identifying persistent gaps related to long-term safety, dialysis dosing, and renoprotective mechanisms. These insights provide a structured reference to inform future clinical and translational research in CKD.