All Arthritis Research Canada research presented at the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting on April 17, 2026 is listed on this page. Scroll down to view research summaries on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and more.​

Oral Plenary Presentations

Feasibility Study to Implement Quality Indicator Toolkits for Rehabilitation After Total Hip and Knee Replacement: Patient and Clinician Toolkit User Metrics

This study tested two toolkits, called QUICK and EQUIP, for rehabilitation after hip and knee replacement surgery. Although users (patients and clinicians) found some of the resources helpful, only a small proportion accessed them, and use declined over time. Access to the toolkits did not improve uptake of post-op care recommendations included in the quality indicators. The key takeaway message is that targeted strategies are needed to boost engagement and impact of these digital resources.

Research Team: Westby M, Koehn C, Barber C, Marshall D, Guirguis M

Presentation #: POD02

Sialic Acid-Binding Ig-Like Lectin 1: A Serological Biomarker for Pulmonary Involvement in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

This study identified a new blood test that may serve as a biomarker of lung involvement in people with inflammatory diseases of the muscles.  They found higher serum levels of SIGLEC1 in patients with radiographic lung involvement, with active pulmonary disease , but it was not associated with symptoms like shortness of breath. This blood test shows promise as a potential biomarker to identify people at risk of or with early lung involvement. Further validation work is underway.

Research Team: Barreth, N, Choi M, Leclair V, Hudson, M, Moran Toro C, St-Pierre Y, Clarke A, Sciore P, Tarnopolsky M, Bernatsky S, Fritzler, M.

Presentation #: POD06

Perimenopause is Associated with Increased Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis.

This study found that women with psoriatic arthritis have more active skin and joint disease, including more symptoms and more inflamed joints,  during perimenopause, with some improvement after menopause. This increase was not explained by changes in BMI. These findings suggest that hormonal changes influence psoriatic arthritis and warrant further consideration of hormone replacement therapy as a treatment option.

Research Team: Eder L, Li X, Koppikar S, Lega I, Gladman D, Chandrn V, Cook R.

Presentation #: POD08

Interactive Workshop Sessions

IgG4-Related Disease: Diagnosis and Management

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition with protean manifestations that frequently mimics malignancy, infection, and other immune-mediated diseases. Despite increasing recognition, significant uncertainty remains regarding optimal diagnostic strategies, the role of biopsy and serum IgG4 testing, and treatment selection in real-world practice. This interactive, case-based workshop will provide a practical framework for diagnosing and managing IgG4-RD in general rheumatology practice, with emphasis on classification criteria, diagnostic pitfalls, mimickers, and evidence-based treatment approaches using accessible therapies.

Learning Objectives

• Develop a structured diagnostic approach to suspected IgG4-related disease, integrating clinical features, histology, imaging, and appropriate use of ACR/EULAR criteria.
• Formulate evidence-informed management plans based on organ involvement, disease severity, and access to glucocorticoids, DMARDs, and biologic therapies.
• Communicate diagnostic uncertainty and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in the management of IgG4-related disease.

Presenters: Codina AF, Carruthers M, Allard-Chamard H.

Workshop #: 1B

Poster Presentations

Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Across Functional Disability Levels in Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis

This study found that people with inflammatory arthritis who reported greater difficulty with daily functioning also tended to report higher levels of work and activity impairment, with the most notable differences appearing once physical disability reached moderate levels. Findings underscore the importance of implementing earlier strategies to maintain productivity and support patients’ participation in daily and work-related activities.

Research Team: Fuhrmann A, Marshall DA, Mosher DP, Ocampo W, Benseler S, Larche M.

Poster #: 5

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes Associated with Interleukin-17 Inhibitor Exposure During Pregnancy in Patients with Seronegative Arthritis: a Case Series of Nine People.

Interleukin-17 inhibitors are increasingly used to treat inflammatory arthritis. Little is known about their safety during pregnancy. This case series describes maternal and newborn outcomes in nine patients who received these medications during pregnancy. No increased risk of congenital anomalies or adverse pregnancy outcomes were found. These encouraging findings need to be confirmed in larger studies to establish safety of these medications in pregnancy.

Research Team: Waring A, Rieger-Torres S, Tan J, Pavlov V, Amiri N.

Poster #: 14

Co-Developing a Flexible Care Delivery Model for Inflammatory Arthritis (Flexcare): Results from Patient Focus Groups

The authors conducted focus groups with adults with inflammatory arthritis across Canada to learn about their experiences, values, and preferences, informing the timing, modality, and nature of healthcare visits to optimize the delivery of care for inflammatory arthritis. Three major themes were identified: 1) inflammatory arthritis affects all aspects of life; 2) Information needs are dynamic and often go unmet; and 3) Care must be individualized to patients. Findings will help inform the development of FlexCAre, a new way of delivering arthritis care that integrates education, monitoring of symptoms between appointments, and flexible visit schedules to better meet the diverse needs of individuals with inflammatory arthritis.

Research Team: Deville-Stoetzel N, Raptis K, McGuire E, Da Costa D, Lacaille D, Bartlett S. 

Poster #: 22

Co-Developing Flexcare: Insights from Canadian Health Care Providers on Optimizing Care Delivery.

The authors conducted focus groups with healthcare professionals (rheumatologists, nurses, pharmacists) to explore opportunities to optimize the delivery of care for inflammatory arthritis. They identified challenges in providing whole person care, the need for interprofessional team-based support, and the importance of flexible, individualized care that is tailored to each patient as key opportunities and challenges. The findings will inform the development of FlexCAre, a new way of delivering arthritis care that integrates education, monitoring of symptoms between appointments, and flexible visit schedules to better meet the diverse needs of individuals with inflammatory arthritis.

Research Team: Deville-Stoetzel N, McGuire E, Raptis K, Da Costa D, Lacaille D, Bartlett S. 

Poster #: 23

Changes in HAQ Scores over Time in Indigenous Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis.

Using data from the Rheum4U database in Alberta, the authors tracked how well Indigenous patients with inflammatory arthritis could do daily activities over time using the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Over about two years of follow-up, they found that patients’ ability to function stayed mostly the same, with no meaningful improvement or decline.

Research Team: Byrne C, Barnabe C, Contreras D, Kleissen T, Mosher D.

Poster #: 25

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Tailored Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia in Persons with Arthritis

This pilot study tested an online program to improve sleep for people with arthritis and insomnia. Most participants found the program helpful (84%) and sleep scores improved more in the treatment than the control groups. However, only half fully completed the online program. A larger-scale randomized controlled trial is planned to test a revised version of the progam to address participants’ feedback and improve engagement.

Research Team: McGuire E, Andersen N, Savard J, Fortin PR, Lacaille D, Rahme E, Da Costa D.

Poster #: 26

Individuals Using Cannabis for Inflammatory Arthritis Report Similar Symptoms Levels, but Worse Anxiety and Depression than Non-Users.

This study looked at cannabis use in people enrolled in a study testing an intervention for insomnia. They found that one in four people with arthritis who experienced sleep disturbance used cannabis to improve sleep or arthritis symptoms, and many felt it provided at least some relief. However, cannabis users did not report better health-related quality of life or better arthritis symptoms, and they reported significantly worse anxiety and depression than non-users.

Research Team: Andersen N, McGuire E, Lacaille D, Savard J, Rahme E, Fortin P, Da Costa D.

Poster #: 27

Use and Perceived Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) for Self-Learning in Inflammatory Arthritis: Opportunities for Equitable Access to Appropriate Information?

This study explored the role of ChatGPT as a self-learning tool for patients with inflammatory arthritis and identified key determinants of its adoption and perceived value. The authors found engagement with ChatGPT was higher among younger patients and those who preferentially rely on digital health information sources, whereas women, older individuals, patients with long-standing disease, and those who favor traditional educational modalities were less likely to use it for disease-related learning. Notably, among users, increasing age was associated with lower perceived accuracy and trust in the information provided, highlighting generational differences in digital literacy and confidence in AI-based educational tools.

Research Team: Rauch M, Marfaing A, Ebaugh C, Leger S, Hazel E, Lukusa L, Bernatsky S, Colmegna I.

Poster #: 28

Confidence in Arthritis Self-Management Correlates Positively with Prior Access to Educational Resources and Negatively with Financial and Access Barriers.

This study identified demographic, clinical, and educational factors associated with people’s confidence in their ability to manage living with inflammatory arthritis. The authors found that prior exposure to structured educational resources and a preference for online learning platforms were associated with greater self-management confidence, whereas financial constraints and barriers to accessing care or information were linked to lower confidence. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of equitable access to patient education and of tailoring educational strategies to align with patients’ learning preferences in order to support effective self-management.

Research Team: Marfaing A, Lebaugh C, Rauch M, Leger S, Hazel E, Lukusa L, Bernatsky S,  Colmegna I.

Poster #: 29

Machine Learning assessment of Cost-related Medication Nonadherence among Canadians with Arthritis

This study estimated how common non-adherence to medications due to cost is among Canadians living with arthritis and used machine learning to identify factors linked to difficulties affording medications. While financial and health system barriers were the strongest drivers, differences between men and women suggest that additional health and psychosocial factors also play a role.

Research Team: Tucker DR, Thomas M, De Vera MA.

Poster #: 30

Kinesin Family Member 20B is Upregulated in a Murine Peripheral Nerve Injury Model.

In this study, the researchers used a mouse model of injury to a leg nerve to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of injury and potential healing of nerves that occurs in people with lupus when the disease attacks peripheral nerves. They found a gene that was turned on after injury, and that could be involved in the repair process.

Research Team: Krustev E, Kutlubrek E, Pun A, Fritzler M, Zochdne D, Choi M, Biernaskie J. 

Poster #: 36

Longitudinal Serum Proteomic Profiles – a Step Closer to Personalized Monitoring in Dermatomyositis.

This study analyzed blood samples over time from six patients with dermatomyositis to see which proteins were linked to higher disease activity.  The researchers found several immune-related proteins, involved in recruiting immune cells, that were higher when disease activity was moderate or high. These findings offer promising opportunities for personalized monitoring of disease activity over time.

Research Team: Le Blanc N, Leclair V, Hudson M, Diaz-Gallo LM, Gonzalez Sanchez AC. 

Poster #: 37

An Unusual Case of Infection-Provoked Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.

This case report describes a patient with mixed connective tissue disease who developed a rare complication called Macrophage Activation Syndrome during infection with cytomegalovirus and Clostridium difficile colitis. The patient improved with treatment. This study highlights that although rare, severe immune overactivation can be triggered by infections and requires early recognition and treatment.

Research Team: Nikolic R, Carter E, Larche M. 

Poster #: 46

From Symptoms to Specialist Care in Igg4-Related Ophthalmic Disease: a Retrospective Case Series.

The authors conducted a retrospective observational study of how IgG4-RD ophthalmologic disease presents clinically through the Canadian referral pathway. They found that many patients had early inflammatory flare-ups in the eyes that were not immediately recognized as part of the disease, highlighting significant inefficiencies in the diagnostic pathways. This shows we need to streamline referral and triage processes to improve timely and coordinated care.

Research Team: Beckett M, Jaffer A, Li C, Chen L, Yin V, Kherani F, Carruthers M. 

Poster #: 49

Developing and Implementing the Mini Practice Audit Model to Support Rheumatologist Self-Assessment in Clinical Practice.

This study tested a tool designed to help rheumatologists review and improve their own patient care. Rheumatologists looked back at their patient records to see how closely they followed treatment guidelines, including recommendations around remission, medication use, and communication with patients. Rheumatologists also received personalized feedback, and as a result, many became more aware of their care gaps, like not fully documenting treatment plans or discussions, and reported making improvements. Overall, the tool was found to be practical and helpful for rheumatologists to engage in self-assessment and continuing professional development.

Research Team: Beckett M, Wooster E, Wooster D, Kherani R. 

Poster #: 50

Autoantibody Clusters and Siglec1 Are Predictive of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Development

This study looked at people with early signs that might develop into lupus or related autoimmune diseases, but who did not yet meet diagnostic criteria. Researchers found that certain patterns of autoantibodies in the blood (especially when multiple antibodies were present) were linked to a higher chance of developing diseases like lupus over time. These patients also had higher levels of an immune marker called SIGLEC1. This shows us that specific blood test patterns may help identify earlier people at greater risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Research Team: Choi M, Horisberger A, Oakes E, Dillon E, Adejoorin I, Caldropoli J, Marks K, Sasaki T, Moghaddam F, Sciore P, Fritzler M, Rao D, Costenbader K.

Presentation #: 55

Complement Pathway Heterogeneity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Uncovered Through Longitudinal Serum Proteomics.

In this study, the authors highlight the heterogeneity of circulating complement components in people with early rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that complement protein profiles may reflect distinct underlying disease mechanisms beyond general inflammation and could inform future biomarker-driven approaches to choosing treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis.

Research Team: Marchand B, Carrier N, Beaulieu E, Levesque D, Ramanathan B, Boisvert FM, Roux S, Marrugo J, Boire G, Allard-Chamard H.

Poster #: 68

Impaired Dnase1L3 Activity from a Novel Mutation Identified in Monogenic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

This study identified a new genetic mutation in a child with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus caused by a mutation in a single gene. The authors found the mutation reduced the ability of cells to break down DNA, which may lead to the buildup of cellular debris and trigger inflammation.

Research Team: Lahiry P, Osypa B, Pramatarova A, Brilland B, Colmegna I, Scuccimarri R, Langlais D.

Poster #: 71

Preventable Hospital Admissions in Persons with Gout: A Population-Based Study.

The authors found that people with gout were more likely than people without gout to be hospitalized for conditions that could be prevented with good and accessible ambulatory care, especially heart failure and fluid in the lungs. These findings highlight the importance of improving access to high-quality ambulatory care for the ongoing management of other related chronic health issues to reduce avoidable hospitalizations in people with gout.

Research Team: Contreras D, Barber CEH, Avina-Zubieta JA, Barnabe C.

Poster #: 76

Emergency Department Utilization in People with Gout: a 10-Year Population Based Analysis of Visits in Alberta.

This study assessed emergency department visits by people with gout over 10 years in Alberta. They found that overall use of acute care increased, and a third of visits were for urgent, and another third for less urgent health issues, with only a small proportion of visits specifically for gout flares, and few leading to hospital admissions. The findings suggest that people with gout may not be getting enough outpatient care, leading them to rely more on emergency services for management of less severe problems.

Research Team: Sauer L, Contreras D, McLane P, Barber C, Elliott M, Chomistek K, Lin K, McQuitty S, Davidson E, Hildebrandt C, Katz S, Lang E, Holroyd B, Barnabe C.

Poster #: 77

Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease in a Single Centre Cohort: Be Vigilant in Older Male Smokers Who Are Seropositive and Have a Low DLCO at Baseline.

This study looked at patient records of patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease to explore how their lung function changes over time. The authors found that 1 in 4 patients experienced clinically significant pulmonary function decline within two years of diagnosis. Those most at risk were men with seropositive disease and a history of heavy smoking, and their lung disease worsened even when blood levels of inflammation were not high.

Research Team: Juneja N, Carmona A, Beattie K, Mahayni A, Hambly N, Mbuagbaw L, Garner S, Larche M.

Poster #: 90

Co-Development and Evaluation of a Flare Action Plan for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This study created and tested a ‘flare action plan’ to help people manage their flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, people living with rheumatoid arthritis found that the action plan was easy to understand, it provided clear steps that could be taken, and it was a helpful resource for people who are newly diagnosed and those who have been living with rheumatoid arthritis for many years.

Research Team: White K, Dhiman K, Ester M, Charlton A, Rebutoc A, Hazlewood G, Graveline C, Manske SL, Lacaille D, Hoens AM, Szpunar M, Zimmermann GL, Jung M, Carter E, Mosher DP, Barber C.

Poster #: 94

Implementation of the Appointments By Choice model for rheumatoid arthritis: a patient-initiated follow-up pilot study.

This study tested a new “Appointments By Choice” model in which people with stable rheumatoid arthritis can book follow-up appointments when they feel they need them, instead of on a fixed schedule. Early results suggest this approach was safe, freed up time for doctors to see other patients, and patients and rheumatologists liked it, but some communication and practical challenges need to be addressed before using it more widely.

Research Team: Ester M, White K, Dhiman K, Charlton A, Rebutoc A, Hazlewood G, Manske SL, Lacaille D, Hoens AM, Szpunar M, Zimmermann GL, Jung M, Carter E, Mosher DP, Barber C.

Presentation #: 95

Patient Perspectives of the Barriers and Facilitators to Participating in Appointments by Choice: a Qualitative Study of a Patient-Initiated Follow-Up Implementation Pilot Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

In a qualitative evaluation with people with rheumatoid arthritis who used the patient-initiated follow-up system “Appointments By Choice (ABC)”, participants generally found it flexible, acceptable, and easy to use, especially when supported by clear plans to deal with flare-ups and access to a responsive care team. However, some people felt unsure about who to contact during flares and experienced challenges maintaining regular lab testing when in-person reminders were absent, suggesting that clearer communication and support could further improve this model of care.

Research Team: Dhiman K, Ester M, White K, Charlton A,  Rebutoc A, Hazlewood G, Manske SL, Lacaille D, Hoens AM, Szpunar M, Zimmermann GL, Jung M, Carter E, Mosher DP, Barber CE.

Presentation #: 98

Evaluating Frailty in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Scoping Review.

This review of the literature explored existing tools that are used to measure frailty among people living with lupus. The authors found that regardless of how tools measure frailty, frailty is consistently associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in people living with lupus. The most used tool across the included studies was the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Frailty Index (SLICC-FI).

Research Team: Gaudet V, Chen O, Legge A.  

Poster #: 106

Poster Tours

Perceptions of Rheumatologists on Barriers and Enablers to Adoption of Interdisciplinary Models of Rheumatology Care in Ontario, Canada

This qualitative study explored how rheumatologists in Ontario view adopting interdisciplinary care. The authors found that although many believe it could improve patient care and reduce workload, key barriers included limited funding, lack of trained team members, and practical challenges like space and training time.

Research Team: Bodmer N, Laur C, To D, Ladak Z, Widdifield J, Oliva L, Hawker G, Barber C, Hofstetter C, Kink LK. 

Poster #: Tour 1C

Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Urinary Biomarker Model for Lupus Nephritis and Renal Anca-Associated Vasculitis.

This study looked at urine markers and kidney biopsy data to track kidney inflammation in people with lupus and vasculitis. One marker (usCD163) was strongly linked to disease activity and kidney damage and worked well to predict those who would go into remission. Combining multiple urine markers improved accuracy, showing that urine tests could help healthcare providers monitor kidney disease without needing repeat kidney biopsies – reflecting a less invasive way to monitor disease activity.

Research Team: Alkadri S, Li M, Cheema K, Muruve D, St-Pierre Y, Clarke A, Sciore P, Fritzler M, Choi M.

Poster #: Tour 2B

Cross-Provincial Validation of a Giant Cell Arteritis Case-Identification Algorithm Using Alberta Health Data

Giant Cell Arteritis is an inflammatory disease that can cause serious complications like vision loss, and understanding its occurrence in different regions helps improve healthcare planning. The authors tested an Ontario-based method for identifying Giant Cell Arteritis cases in Alberta and found it was moderately accurate, suggesting the need for adjustments to better fit Alberta’s population.

Research Team: Ogunleye T, Barber CEH, Barra L, Fifi-Mah A, Garner S.

Poster #: Tour 4A

Validation of the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Inflammatory Arthritis

This study showed that the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index is a reliable and useful tool for measuring physical function in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis. It also detected changes over time, supporting its use in monitoring this condition.

Research Team: Chubbs K, Ye C, Jamal S, Hudson M, Pope J, Appleton CT, Hoa S, Saltman A, Himmel M, Maltez N, Khokhar F, Ladouceur A, Colmegna I, Choi M, Elsayed M, Roberts J. 

Poster #: Tour 4C

Workshop Presentations

The Interplay Between Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Productivity: a Rheum4U Precision Health Registry Study

People living with inflammatory arthritis often face challenges with daily functioning, quality of life, and work. This study showed that these difficulties are strongly interconnected, highlighting the need for early, function-preserving interventions.

Research Team: Fuhrmann A, Marshall DA, Mosher DP, Ocampo W, Benseler S, Larche M. 

Workshop #: WORKSHOP1G_02

Preventable Hospital Admissions in Persons with Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Population-Based Study

This study found that people with psoriatic arthritis and/or axial spondyloarthritis are at a higher risk of being hospitalized for conditions that are usually preventable with good access to outpatient care when compared to matched healthy controls, particularly within the first 3–5 years after diagnosis. Chronic respiratory diseases were the most common causes of these hospitalizations, but the relative risk was notably higher for diabetes and heart-related admissions.

Research Team: Contreras D, Barber C, Avina-Zubieta A, Barnabe C.

Workshop #:WORKSHOP2D_03