All Arthritis Research Canada research presented at the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting on April 18, 2026 is listed on this page. Scroll down to view research summaries on lupus, rheumatology care, and more.​

Podium Sessions

Increased Risk of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy in Women with Systemic Lupus Erthematosus Exposed to Azathioprine.

An international study from the Lupus in prEGnanCY cohort (LEGACY) found that women taking an immunosuppressive medication called azathioprine had a higher risk of developing a liver condition during pregnancy called intrahepatic cholestasis. A bloodtest measuring how people’s body processes this medication  identified people at greater risk of developing this condition and could help guide safer treatment.

Research Team: Farhat R, Del Carmen M, Bae SC, Clarke A, Barber M, Fortin P, Touma Z, Laskin C, Peschken C, Ugarte Gil MF, Legge A, Bernatsky S, Vinet E.

Presentation #: POD09

Health Canada Indications and Formulary Coverage of Biologic and Synthetic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs for Juvenile Arthritis: Are We Meeting Current Guidelines?

Biologic medications have greatly helped children with arthritis. However, in Canada there are currently many more of these drugs available for adults than children. For example, Health Canada lists 9x more drugs for adults with ankylosing spondylitis and 6x more for adults with psoriatic arthritis than children. Non-insured Health Benefits for First Nations/Inuit children only cover half of the drugs listed by Health Canada and public provincial coverage is also limited and varies a lot between provinces. This has led to major gaps in care for Canadian children with arthritis.

Research Team: Laplante A, Shan S, Currie G, Marshall D, Yeung R, Leblanc C. Presenter: Amanda Laplante

Presentation #: POD011

Poster Sessions

Gaps in Care for Hydroxychloroquine-Related Retinopathy Screening in British Columbia: a Population-Based Cohort Study

A study of all British Columbians taking long-term hydroxychloroquine for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, found that two in three people are not receiving the recommended yearly eye screening exam to detect early hydroxychloroquine-related eye toxicity. Screening was more likely when patients had a baseline exam and ongoing rheumatologist care, and it varied across health regions. This study highlights the need for strategies to improve access to eye care and address this care gap to prevent rare, but important, eye complication of this commonly used medication.

Research Team: Daftarian N, Yu M, Zhou J, Tan J, Kermani A, Gonzalez-Arreola L, Avina-Zubieta JA.

Poster #: 108

Interim Analysis of the Retinal Toxicity and Hydroxychloroquine Therapy (INTACT): a Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study

The INTACT study in British Columbia followed people with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis taking hydroxychloroquine with yearly eye check-ups and showed that hydroxychloroquine side-effect to the eye is very uncommon in the first decade of use, occurring in only 4 out of 1000, and that it increases over time, with a noticeable increase after 20 years of use (from 13 out of 1000 at 20 years to 65 out of 1000 after 30 years of use). Regular eye screening can detect changes early, before vision is affected, and ensure safe long-term treatment.

Research Team: Daftarian N, Yu M, Zhou J, Tan J, Behzadi Far E, Kermani A, Gonzalez-Arreola L, Avina-Zubieta JA.

Poster #: 109

Risk of Retinopathy Associated with Long-Term Use of Hydroxychloroquine in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review of all published studies on a rare eye side-effect of hydroxychloroquine to the retina, found that, overall, about 6% of people taking hydroxychloroquine develop this side-effect, with the risk increasing with longer duration of use, from 0.1% at 5 years to 6% after 15 years. The authors found that higher dose, kidney disease, female sex and being Asian were linked to greater risk. This study highlights the importance of careful dosing and regular eye screening, especially for higher-risk patients.

Research Team: Daftarian N, Yue C, Levasseur SD, Xie H, Avina-Zubieta JA.

Poster #: 110

Team-Based Outpatient Rheumatology Care: a Scoping Review of Terminology, Team Composition, and Impact on Advancing the Quintuple Aim

This scoping review found that team-based outpatient rheumatology care involving at least one rheumatologist and one integrated health professional is generally associated with better patient outcomes and experience, but evidence is mostly short-term and highly variable.

Research Team: Bodmer N, Laur C, King LK, Wong J, Gomes M, Hawker G, Lootah S, Barber CEH, Hofstetter C, Thorne C, Widdiield J.  

Poster #: 111

Novel Indicators for Monitoring Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Quality: a Delphi Consensus Process to Determine Rheumatoid Arthritis-Specific Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions

This study brought together healthcare providers and people living with rheumatoid arthritis to identify which hospitalizations might be preventable with better access to outpatient care. They agreed on 12 conditions, some of which include disease flares and infections that may be avoidable with appropriate care of arthritis and its potential complications. These findings provide a starting point for tracking and improving arthritis care to help reduce preventable hospital visits.

Research Team: Irwin K, Huo R, Pfister K, Patten S, Fabreau G, Jennings J, Barber C, Barnabe C.

Poster #: 112

High Cardiovascular Burden from Glucocorticoid Exposure in Giant Cell Arteritis: a Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Many patients with Giant Cell Arteritis remain reliant on glucocorticoids (e.g. prednisone) for disease management, carrying a previously undescribed risk for cardiovascular toxicity. Using administrative health data on everyone with giant cell arteritis in BC, this tudy identified a significant increase in risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with Giant Cell Arteritis, which increased with higher doses and longer use of glucocorticoids. Strategies with newer therapies for Giant Cell Arteritis should target minimizing use of glucocorticoids.

Research Team: Tan J, Zhou J, Lu N, Yu M, Arreola L, Avina-Zubieta JA

Poster #: 115

Identifying a Gap in Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Testing in Young Patients with Thrombotic and Obstetric Events

Antiphospholipid syndrome may cause repeated cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attacks, strokes and clots in veins) and pregnancy-related complications due to clotting in arteries and veins in people aged < 50. Thus, current guidelines recommend testing for antiphospholipid syndrome in these situations. Using administrative health data in BC, this study found that testing for antiphospholipid syndrome in these situations only occurred 10% of the time, and with significant time delays. These findings have important implications for prevention of repeat cardiovascular events in this high-risk population. 

Research Team: Needham A, Tan J, Zhou J, Lu N, Yu M, Arreola L, Avina-Zubieta JA, Barber M

Poster #: 116

Low Dose, High Impact: Acetylsalicylic Acid and Preterm Pre-Eclampsia Prevention in Rheumatic Disease

This study from the Canadian Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases registry (CaPRIS) looked at pregnant women living with rheumatic diseases to assess their risk of preeclampsia. Women at high risk of pre-eclampsia who took low-dose aspirin, as recommended by current guidelines, had the same risk as women with low risk of preeclampsia.  This suggests that an aspirin a day may offset risk of preeclampsia in patients with rheumatic diseases who are at higher risk of this complication of pregnancy.

Research Team: Chan S, Rieger-Torres S, De Vera M, Tan J, Amiri N.

Poster #: 117

Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to Physiotherapists’ Delivery of a Falls Prevention Program with Brief Action Planning Counselling (OEP+) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with a History of Falls.

Falls are common among older adults, falls prevention programs are effective, but long-term patient participation is low, highlighting the need for better self-management support strategies. This qualitative study identified facilitators and barriers of physiotherapists’ ability to deliver a home-based fall prevention program that incorporated Brief Action Planning counselling and an activity tracking app for older adults at risk of falls. The findings provide theory-informed considerations to support physiotherapists in delivering fall prevention programs in community settings.

Research Team: Primeau C, Therrien S, Wang E, Ma J, Leese J, Mollins J, Seo C, Oakey M, Davis J, Jehu D, Feehan L, Dignum T, Shaw C, Xie H, Liu-Ambrose T, Li L.

Poster #: 119

Health Service Use, Access, and Challenges for 2S/LGBTQQIA+ Individuals with Rheumatic Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Many 2S/LGBTQQIA+ people living with rheumatic conditions faced major challenges accessing care during the pandemic. This study showed that participants encountered long wait times, difficulty obtaining appointments, cost barriers, and a lack of affirming providers, and that nearly half stopped or delayed medications use because they could not afford them, while more than a third experienced discrimination in healthcare. These findings highlight the need for more accessible and affirming rheumatology care for 2S/LGBTQQIA+ communities in Canada.

Research Team: Primeau C, Shah M, Lo R, Curtis T, Radha Verma A, Lachowsky N.

Poster #: 120

Building Consensus on Key Strategies for the Implementation of Interdisciplinary Team-Based Rheumatology Care in Canada

Using a Delphi method, this study asked Canadian rheumatologists and interdisciplinary health professionals to identify the best ways to implement team-based rheumatology care. They agreed on 25 key implementation strategies that include categories like better training, clear team roles, shared communication systems, and funding to support effective implementation and sustainment of interdisciplinary care.

Research Team: To D, Laur C, Widdifield J, Oliva L, Ladak Z, Barber CEH, Burt J, Katz S, Passalent L, Soever L, Thorne C, Ivers N, King LK.

Poster #: 123

Retention in Rheumatology Care Across the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Care Pathway: from Diagnosis Through Transition.

This study looked at children and adolescents diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis between 2010 to 2018 and followed until 2024. The authors found that many patients disengage from pediatric rheumatology care before transitioning to adult care; however, timely transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care improved over calendar time.

Research Team: Kwok T, Lee J, Morais S, Berard R, Batthish M, Feldman B, Levy D, Barber CEH, Steiman A, Widdifield J.

Poster #: 126

Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study to Test Implementation of Quality Indicator Toolkits for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Rehabilitation: Impact on Clinician Behaviour, Patient Outcomes and Experiences

The authors developed evidence-based, consensus-generated quality indicators to address care gaps in rehabilitation after total hip and knee replacement surgery. This study describes the effects of implementing the quality indicators using clinician (QUICK-TJR) and patient (EQUIP-TJR) targeted online toolkits on clinician behaviour (adherence to the quality indicators), patient-reported outcomes, and patient experience and satisfaction with rehabilitation.

Research Team: Westby M, Koehn C, Barber C, Marshall DA, Parkinson L, Guirguis M.

Poster #: 132

Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study to Test Uptake of Quality Indicator Resources for Rehabilitation After Total Hip and Knee Replacement: Feasibility Outcomes.

The authors developed evidence-based quality indicators to address care gaps in rehabilitation after total hip and knee replacement surgery. A feasibility study was performed to test methods (recruitment, consent, retention, engagement) for a future randomized trial to test the effect of the toolkits at implementing the quality.

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

Poster #: 133

Delivery Matters: a Cluster Randomized Trial of a Brief Action Planning-Based Physiotherapy Intervention with Digital Support to Improve Adherence to a Fall Prevention Exercise Program in Older Adults at Risk of Falls.

Falls are common and serious for older adults with arthritis, but many people stop doing fall-prevention exercises over time. This study showed that when physiotherapists received extra training in behaviour-change coaching skills and used an exercise-tracking app, older adults were more likely to keep doing their exercises, they had better physical function and their risk of fall was reduced by 37%. Supporting physiotherapists with these skills can help older adults age more safely and independently.

Research Team: Li L, Xie H, Lu N, Davis J, Bayraktar D, Xu J, Seo YS, Therrien S, Primeau C, Mollins J, Shaw C, Oakey M, Ma J, Jehu D, Liu-Ambrose T. 

Poster #: 134

Bridging the Gap Between Complexity and Care: Translating Network Meta-Analysis into a Meaningful Tool for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This study developed a 2-page decision aid to compare treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are switching therapies after not responding adequately to anti-TNF biologic therapy. Interviews with patients living with rheumatoid arthritis, revealed that the decision aid provided clear, accessible, and relevant information to enhance understanding, confidence, and engagement in shared decision making.

Research Team: Shiman J, Hanif A, Barnabe C, Hazlewood G, Rebutoc A, Kamso M, Thomas J, Kleissen T.

Presentation #: 135

Cardiac Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis Beyond the Right Heart: Novel and Conventional Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Phenomics Based Evaluation.

Using Calgary’s Cardiovascular Imaging Registry, this study compared people with systemic sclerosis to healthy controls and looked at how systemic sclerosis impacts the heart using cardiac MRIs. The study found that over about 4 years, nearly one third of patients with systemic sclerosis experienced serious heart problems and the strongest predictor was how well the right side of the heart was functioning.

Research Team: Nasir L, Beckie T, Jensen C, Marianchuk R, Rivest S, Flewitt J, Feng Y, Neves J, Tse J, Howarth A, Lydell C, Amakiri A, King M, Kolman L, Gotte M, Labib D, White J, Larche M.  

Poster #: 140

Management of Pre-Existing Inflammatory Arthritis During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer with a Tnf-Inhibitor for over 6 Years: a Case Report.

This case report describes a man with rheumatoid arthritis and advanced kidney cancer who was treated with immunotherapy. His arthritis flared during treatment and did not improve with standard options (glucocorticoids and methotrexate), so a biologic medication was restarted, which led to his arthritis symptoms improving, permitting him to be able to continue cancer treatment for over six years without developing other immune-related side effects.

Research Team: Ramsay D, Roberts J, Wood L.

Poster #: 141

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Large Vessel Vasculitis: a Case Series from the Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno-Oncology.

Using data from the CanRIO cohort, this study found that vasculitis of large blood vessels from immune checkpoint inhibitors most commonly occurs in cranial vessels, presenting with headache symptoms, or is found incidentally on scans showing inflammation of  large vessels without symptoms. Most patients respond well to treatment, but in some situations, patients may not require therapy. This emphasizes the need for careful assessments and treatment decisions.

Research Team: Doane S, Ye C, Jamal S, Hoa S, Maltez N, Castonguay M, Roberts J.

Poster #: 146

A Systematic Review of Approaches to Manage Fatigue Among Children and Youth with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

This systematic review of the literature explored strategies for managing fatigue among children and youth with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The studies identified assessed laser therapy, physical activity exercises and self-management strategies. None of the randomized controlled trials showed any definite benefit of therapies evaluated, except for one RCT, which showed with moderate certainty that adding low-level laser therapy to an exercise program reduced fatigue compared with exercise alone.

Research Team: Rafieinia M, Martini R, Stringer E, Decary S, Barcellos de Souza J, Nay F, Kashif I, Proulx Trehan N, Abrahams N, Sirois A, Sirotich E, Popescu S, Huber A, Furtado B, Daboury I, Li L, Birnie K, Lewis K, Cavallo S, Connelly M, Arman N, Ghio D, El Tal T, Kwok T, Luca N, Hazlewood G, Stinson JN, JIA Option Map Research Group, Toupin-April K. 

Poster #: 150

Publicly Funded Formulary Coverage of Biologic and Synthetic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs for Children with Chronic Arthritis in Canada: Are We Doing Enough?

This study compared medication coverage by publically funded formularies with current treatment guidelines for different types of Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis (JIA). Health Canada approval and public-funding health policies for advanced therapies, such as biologics, meet recommended guidelines for children with polyarticular JIA in all provinces, but for systemic JIA in only half the provinces, while for psoriatic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis, they generally do not. As such, there are major barriers to improving childhood arthritis outcomes in Canada.

Research Team: Laplante A, Shan S, Currie GR, Marshall DA, Yeung R.

Poster #: 156

Higher Anxiety at 3 Months Predicts Escalation to Biologics/jaki by 12 and 24 Months in Early RA: Results from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (Catch)

This study from the Canadian CATCH cohort found that people with early rheumatoid arthritis with higher anxiety at the time of diagnosis were more likely to need advanced therapies, such as biologic agents, within 1 to 2 years. Other symptoms like pain, fatigue, or depression did not show the same link, indicating that anxiety may be an important early indicator of treatment needs and emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health in early disease.

Research Team: Bartlett S, Bingham C, Schieir O, Valois MF, Bessette L, Allard-Chamard H, Hazlewood G, Boire G, Hitchon C, Kuriya B, Thorne C, Bykerk V, Pope J. 

Poster #: 186

Chondrodysplasia Punctata in an Infant Suspected Secondary to Maternal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

This case report describes a 31-year-old woman with lupus who gave birth to a child born with a rare condition affecting bone formation called Chondrodysplasia Punctata. Because other known causes were ruled out, there is a possibility that this abnormality, though rare, may have been caused by lupus.

Research Team: Chan S, Amiri N 

Poster #: 193

Moving Equity into Practice: Evaluation of an Online Asynchronous Continuing Medical Education Program for Rheumatology Care.

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: Sauve E, Hazlewood G, Pianarosa E, Thomas M, Johnson N, Fifi-Mah A, Henry R, Lane T, Kuluva M, Koehn C, English K, Hassen N, Kleissen T, Lacaille D, Barnabe C.

Presentation #: 202

Identification of Clinical and Radiologic Markers of Disease Presentation in Patients with Scleroderma-Related Interstitial Lung Disease (Ssc-Ild) in a Cohort from Ontario, Canada.

This study used data from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry to understand which patients are most likely to develop interstitial lung disease, a serious complication of systemic sclerosis. The study confirmed known warning signs for lung disease in systemic sclerosis while also identifying new ones and showed the importance of regular screening for early detection and proper follow up care.

Research Team: Scott J, Berber R, Raifu AO, Larche M. 

Poster #: 206

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Systemic Sclerosis Have a Profibrotic and Senescent Transcriptomic Profile.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are cells that normally help control inflammation, support blood vessels, and limit scarring. In systemic sclerosis, a disease characterized by immune activation, blood vessel damage, and scarring of tissues, the authors hypothesize that these cells become altered and contribute to disease progression. The authors’ studies show that MSCs from patients with systemic sclerosis have an abnormal genetic program associated with scarring and cellular aging, suggesting they may shift from a healing role to one that promotes fibrosis. Ongoing work aims to determine whether correcting these abnormalities could help reduce tissue damage and improve outcomes for patients.

Research Team: Brizio M, Brilland B, Lora M, Mancini M, Hudson M, Langlais D, Colmegna I.

Poster #: 208

Poster Tours

Effectiveness of 3D Printed Models for Knee Arthrocentesis Teaching

This study explored the use of a 3D printed knee model for teaching medical students and residents how to do joint aspiration of the knee. This type of teaching improved both performance and learner confidence, across various stages of training. This reveals that a hands-on approach teaching method is an effective way to teach clinical procedures.

Research Team: Chubbs K, Roche K, Purcell M, Krustev E, Walters E, Martin C, Roberts J. 

Poster #: Tour8D

Workshop Presentations

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Within the Lupus in Pregnancy (Legacy) Cohort: Anti Phosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgG Antibodies Are Stronger Predictors than Lupus Anticoagulant

This study found that a specific blood marker, Anti Phosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgG Antibodies, in pregnant women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus was strongly linked to a higher risk of pregnancy complications and may predict risk better than a commonly used marker called lupus anticoagulant. Monitoring for this antibody may help healthcare providers to better predict which pregnancies are at higher risk of complications.

Research Team: Farhat R, Choi M, Fritzler M, Zamora Medina MDC, Bae, SC, Clarke A, Barber M, Touma Z, Lask, Bernatsky S, Vinet E,  

Workshop #:WORKSHOP3F_01

Feasibility of Saliva-Based Autoantibody Detection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

This study found that saliva collected from brushing the gum line can detect key antibodies in people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, similar to blood tests. This suggests a simple, non-invasive saliva test could help with lupus screening and monitoring, improving access to care in remote areas where access to blood tests is a challenge.

Research Team: Holt J, Mosher D, Seni J, Crowshoe L, Sciore P, Sciascia S, Clarke A, Dungey V, Fritzler M, Choi M.

Workshop #:WORKSHOP3F_0 4