Arthritis Research Canada at
CRA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025
February 27
To learn more about Arthritis Research Canada research presented at the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting on February 27, please scroll down. We have research on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and much more.
Distinct Symptom Clusters Predict Initial Response to Methotrexate in Adults with New RA: a Longitudinal Analysis of the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort.
This study looked at newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients from the CATCH cohort, to see whether patterns of symptoms predict response to methotrexate treatment. The study showed that patients improved over the 6 months after starting methotrexate, but patients with more severe anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue had less favorable responses to methotrexate treatment, having worse disease activity, function, and participation outcomes. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing physical and emotional symptoms early on in the disease.
Research Team: Bartlett S, Bingham C, Schieir O, Valois MF, Pope J, Thorne C, Bessette L, Hitchon C, Boire G, Tin D, Keystone E, Hazlewood G, Bykerk V.
Presentation #: POD01
Work-Related Disability and Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Outcomes of an Exploratory Study from Different Canadian Centres.
This study aimed to understand the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on activities of daily living and functioning at work. The study found that SLE patients experience high levels of limitations in their ability to perform daily activities and at work, and factors such as fatigue, depression, pain, and prednisone use were linked to worse outcomes.
Research Team: Nowrouzi-Kia B, Touma Z, Avina-Zubieta JA, Fox M, Shaw W, Ho M, Li Q, Ivory C, Fortin P, Keeling S, Reynolds J, Haaland DA, Pope J, Lim LSH, Urowitz M, Whittall Garcia LP, Gladman D.
Presentation #: POD05
Developing and Evaluating a Laboratory-Based Frailty Index for the Prediction of Long-Term Health Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Frailty is associated with increased risk of poor health outcomes but is not routinely measured in the rheumatology clinic. Using the results of common laboratory tests, the authors constructed an index called the FI-Lab as a convenient measure of frailty among individuals living with systemic lupus.
Research Team: Burns G, Legge A.
ABSTRACT #: TOUR3B
Implementation of a Data-Driven Learning Health System in Rheumatology: a Novel Application of Dashboard Quality Reporting to Support Optimal Rheumatoid Arthritis Care.
This study outlines efforts in Alberta to launch a Learning Health System to enhance rheumatoid arthritis care. Collaborating with healthcare providers and patients, the team developed interactive dashboards that provide feedback in real time about care provided for rheumatoid arthritis. These dashboards track metrics like wait times and monitoring of disease outcomes to identify how care can be improved.
Research Team: Githumbi R, Hill V, Lonergan K, Katz S, Kania-Richmond A, Giroux K, Wallace Y, Jones A, Steiman A, Ambasta A, Barnabe C, Lacaille D, Yacyshyn E, Hazlewood G, Widdifield J, Williamson T, Barber CEH.
ABSTRACT #: TOURIC
One-Year Outcomes After Decision Aid Led Tapering of Advanced Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
This study explored whether a decision aid helped people with rheumatoid arthritis whose disease is in remission successfully reduce their medication use. After using the decision aid, 25% of people decided to reduce their medication. Of these, about 2/3 where able to reduce their meds by half the dose, on average, and their disease remained in remission. About one third had a flare that required them to increase their dose again, and the majority of these patients (89%) felt positively about their decision to try reducing their medication.
Research Team: Hazlewood G, Jung M, Kaminska E, Bansback N, Buchbinder R, Whittle S, Richards DP, Proulx L, Rebutoc A, Barber CEH.
Presentation #: TOURID
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Pre-Existing Rheumatic Disease and the Impact of Immunosuppression: Data from the Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno-Oncology (CanRIO).
This study used data from the Canadian CanRIO cohort and looked at how immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), used for the treatment of cancer, affect patients with pre-existing autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The study found that patients who were already on immune-suppressing treatments were more likely to have a flare-up of their rheumatic disease but were less likely to develop new side effects from ICI. The study also found that patients who had mild side effects could continue their ICI treatment, while those with severe side effects often had to stop treatment.
Research Team: Beckett M, Yue C, Ye C, Hudson M, Roberts J, Pope J, Appleton T, Hoa S, Fifi-Mah A, Maltez A, Saltman A, Himmel M, Colmegna I, Ladouceur A, Khokhar F, Arreola L, Obrzut A, Jamal S.
ABSTRACT #: 04
A Rare Coexistence of SAPHO Syndrome and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Case Report and Clinical Insights.
This study reported the case of a patient with a bone condition called SAPHO syndrome associated with a rare skin disorder called Hidradenitis suppurativa. This association of both diseases is more frequent in people of African descents and should be searched when evaluating patients with SAPHO syndrome to avoid diagnosis delay.
Research Team: Bessette J, Lagacé S, Michou L
ABSTRACT #: 76
Catching on to CATCH (Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort) Rheumatoid Arthritis Research: Translating 15 Years of Knowledge for Clinicians.
This study focused on sharing important messages from the CATCH cohort to improve rheumatoid arthritis care. Using knowledge translation principles, over 15 years of data were summarized into 15 actionable insights – the “Top 15 CATCH Learnings” – which were shared through short videos and infographics targeting clinicians available on the CATCH website www.earlyarthritis.ca. The videos have received almost 115,000 views on YouTube.
Research Team: Bykerk V, Schieir O, Bartlett S, Bessette L, Hazlewood G, Hitchon C, Keystone E, Pope J, Thorne C, Tin D, Proulx L, Kuriya B, Allard-Chamard H.
ABSTRACT #: 22
Increased Cardiovascular Events in Paget’s Disease of Bone, a Study from the Cartagene Cohort.
Using the Quebec population-based cohort CARTaGENE, this study found that Paget’s disease, a chronic bone disease mostly affecting older adults, was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The arterial stiffness was not found to be increased in this population, suggesting that other risk factors may be involved.
Research Team: Champagne C, Dufour A, Vachey C, Morin S N, Agharazii M, Mac-Way F, Michou L.
ABSTRACT #: 13
A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis of a British Columbian Myositis Cohort.
This study reviewed 268 patients with different types of inflammatory muscle diseases, the tests used to diagnose them, treatments, remission status, and survival rates. The researchers found that most had conditions like anti-synthetase syndrome, dermatomyositis, immune mediated necrotizing myopathy, and scleromyositis. Most patients received immunosuppressive treatments, and while 64% achieved remission, 11% died, with the cause of death being a result of infections, cancer, heart failure, lung involvement and other complications.
Research Team: Chan D, Kotlo A, Kowlessur M, Xie R, Dhillon D, Clarke J, Avina-Zubieta JA, Shojania K, To F, Huang K.
ABSTRACT #: 19
Emergency Department Visits for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions by Persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Population-Based Study.
A retrospective cohort study in Alberta was conducted to examine emergency department visit rates by persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for ambulatory care sensitive conditions, i.e., conditions where emergency department visits could be avoided by better ambulatory care. The study found that people with RA have a 6% higher rate of avoidable emergency department visits in the first 5 years following RA diagnosis compared to people without RA.
Research Team: Contreras DG, Bhanji Z, Avina-Zubieta JA, Barber CEH, Barnabe C.
ABSTRACT #: 74
Hospitalizations for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions by Persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Population-Based Study Using Administrative Data.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine rates of avoidable hospitalizations by persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) relative to the general population of Alberta. In the first 5 years after diagnosis people with RA are at a higher risk of avoidable hospitalizations compared to the general population.
Research Team: Contreras D, Barber CEH, Aviña-Zubieta JA, Quan H, Lee S, King JA, Barnabe C.
ABSTRACT #: 73
Description of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Associated Sicca-Like Syndrome from the Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno-Oncology Database: A Case Series.
This study from the Canadian CanRIO cohort examined the development and treatment of sicca syndrome (dry eyes and dry mouth) as a side-effect of treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for cancer. Of the 40 patients identified, many developed other immune-related side effects alongside sicca symptoms; however, most improved after receiving treatments like corticosteroids, topical treatments, and adjusting or pausing their ICI therapy.
Research Team: Greenwood B, Jamal S, Hudson M, Roberts J, Appleton T, Fifi-Mah A, Himmel M, Pope J, Saltman A, Arreola L, Choi M, Khokhar F, Ladouceur A, Ye C.
ABSTRACT #: 30
Distinct Systemic Sclerosis Phenotypes Related to Race/ethnicity: an Opportunity to Personalize Care?
This study aimed to describe and compare demographic, clinical and serological characteristics of Canadian patients with systemic sclerosis according to race/ethnicity. The authors used data form the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group cohort (CSRG) and found that race/ethnicity was associated with distinct systemic sclerosis phenotypes.
Research Team:Guertin C, Bernatsky S, Larché M, Choi M, Osman M, Pope J, Thorne C, Hudson M, Hoa S.
ABSTRACT ID: 2025-210
Cancer Trends in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy: A Population-Based Study.
Using administrative health data from BC, Canada, this study looked at cancer rates in people with dermatomyositis and polymyositis compared to the general population and found that people with dermatomyositis, but not polymyositis, had a two-fold increase in risk cancer with the most common cancers being lung, gastrointestinal, urological and gynaecological.
Research Team: Jade J, Huang K, Zheng Y, Avina-Zubieta JA, To F.
ABSTRACT #: 31
Long-Term Outcomes in Lung Transplant for Anti-Melanoma Differentiation Associated Gene 5 Antibody Positive Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Series.
This study looked at the health outcomes of 5 patients who had lung transplants for a condition called anti-MDA5-associated interstitial lung disease, which causes very rapid and severe inflammation and scarring of the lungs. They were followed for around 6 years after surgery. While infections were common after transplant, all patients had good long-term outcomes.
Research Team: Jade J, Huang K, To F.
ABSTRACT #: 32
Certolizumab Inhibits Radiographic Progression Even in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with High Rheumatoid Factor Levels: a Pooled, Post-Hoc Analysis of Two Phase 3 Trials.
This study looked at the effectiveness of certolizumab pegol (CZP) combined with methotrexate (MTX) in preventing the progression of joint damage in people with early rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that patients treated with CZP and MTX together had less joint damage progression than people treated with a placebo and methotrexate, regardless of whether they had high or low rheumatoid factor (RF) levels.
Research Team: Jamal S, Smolen JS, Burmester G, Tanaka Y, Takeuchi T, Curtis JR, Mikuls TR, López-Medina C, Taylor PC, Tilt N, Lauwerys B, Ufuktepe B, Huizinga T.
ABSTRACT #: 21
DMARD Utilization Patterns in Community-Dwelling Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Insights from Linked Primary Care and Pharmaceutical Data.
This study looked at patterns of DMARD use among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in primary care settings in Alberta. Of 597 patients seen in primary care, 67% of patients received at least one DMARD, with methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine being the most common. Younger patients and people from areas with high deprivation index were less likely to receive DMARDs, revealing disparities in treatment.
Research Team: Jones A, Pham A, Drummond N, Widdifield J, Koehn S, Jasper L, Klein D, Lindeman C, Barber CEH.
ABSTRACT #: 28
Bridging the Gap: Prednisone Use Patterns in Primary Care Reveal Challenges in Rheumatoid Arthritis Management and Access to Specialist Care.
This study looked at prednisone use among people with rheumatoid arthritis seen in primary care in Alberta. It found that prednisone use was common and for longer periods than recommended in current guidelines. Up to 65% of patients used prednisone at some point during the 12-year study. Prednisone was commonly used at the onset of RA as bridging therapy with DMARDs, waiting for DMARDs to work, or as sole treatment while waiting to see a rheumatologist, which was up to 2 years in some cases due to long wait times for rheumatologist consultations. These findings highlight the need for improved care pathways to optimize RA care.
Research Team: Jones A, Pham A, Koehn S, Widdifield J, Drummond N, Jasper L, Klein D, Lindeman C, Barber CEH.
Addressing Complications of Complement Activation Product Evaluation in Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies.
This study developed a standardized protocol for measuring complement activation products (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9) in blood samples and found that sample type and freeze-thaw cycles significantly affected the levels of these biomarkers. Patients with autoimmune inflammatory myopathies had higher sC5b-9 levels compared to healthy controls, highlighting its potential as a disease biomarker.
Research Team: Li G, Barreth N, Krustev E, Moran-Toro C, St. Pierre Y, Sciore P, Hudson M, Fritzler MJ, Leclair V, Choi MY, on behalf of the Canadian Inflammatory Myopathy Study (CIMS) group.
ABSTRACT #: 5
How Does Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Affect the Work and Usual Activities of Parent Caregivers? The Ucan Can-Du and Cure International Prospective Study.
This Dutch-Canadian collaborative study tracked 703 caregivers, mostly mothers, of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis over one year. The results showed that caregivers missed about 6% of work time due to their child’s arthritis, and 12% of their work time was less productive. On average, caregivers experienced a 17% drop in work productivity and 12% impairment in their daily activities. Caregivers of children with more severe arthritis faced greater challenges, and the study found an average annual wage loss of €3,759 per family.
Research Team: Marshall DA, Dal Ben R, Currie GR, Yeung RSM, Vastert S, Kip M, Wulffraat N, Swart J, Benseler SM, on behalf of the UCAN CAN-DU and UCAN CURE consortia.
ABSTRACT #: 40
What is the Impact of Caregiving on Quality of Life for Parents of Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: the Ucan Can-Du and Cure International Prospective Study.
This Dutch-Canadian collaborative study found that caregivers of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis often struggle with physical and mental health issues, as well as problems with daily activities. Despite feeling fulfilled and supported, many caregivers still have unmet needs.
Research Team: Marshall DA, Furhmann A, Dal Ben R, Currie GR, Yeung RSM, Vastert S, Wulffraat N, Swart J, Benseler SM, On behalf of the UCAN CAN-DU and UCAN CURE Consortia.
ABSTRACT #: 41
Rheumatology Diagnostics Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for ANA Pattern Identification and Titre Quantification.
This study developed and tested machine learning models to automate the interpretation of antinuclear antibody (ANA) patterns and titres. The researchers found that the ANA Reader© model had the best performance for pattern identification, with a high accuracy and strong correlation with the opinion of an expert technologist. This automation will be useful to reduce variability and improve the accuracy of results from different labs.
Research Team: Moghaddam F, Javad Sajadi M¬, Hou H, Clarke A, Bernatsky S, Chen I, Costenbader K, Fritzler MJ, Aminghafari, M, Choi MY, on behalf of the SLICC investigators
ABSTRACT #: 11
Analysis of the Implications of Lumbopelvic Alignment on the Alignment of the Cervical Spine.
This study used machine learning to identify patterns of normal alignment of the spine using advanced imaging technology. This information will be useful to define normal standards when evaluating and planning surgery to correct deformities of the spine.
Research Team: Moghaddam F, Ludwig T, Aminghafari M, Choi MY, Nicholls F.
ABSTRACT #: 12
Janus Kinase Inhibitor Exposure During Pregnancy in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Case Series of 3 Patients.
This study reports on a case series examining the effects of early pregnancy exposure to Janus Kinase inhibitor (JAKi) medications for autoimmune diseases like arthritis. Among six women reviewed, three stopped JAKi before conceiving, while three had unexpected pregnancies while on JAKi and stopped the medication immediately upon confirmation of pregnancy. All pregnancies resulted in healthy babies with no birth defects, despite brief early exposure (13-30 days post-conception). The findings suggest early exposure may not cause harm, but further research is needed. Current guidelines recommend stopping JAKi at least two weeks before trying to conceive.
Research Team: Needham A, Tan J, Cheng V, De Vera MA, Amiri N.
ABSTRACT #: 18
Case Series of Six Patients with Inflammatory Myositis Seen at a Specialized Pregnancy and Rheumatic Diseases Clinic.
This case series of six pregnancies in women with dermatomyositis found that all resulted in live births, though complications included one premature delivery and a postpartum disease flare. These findings emphasize the need for further research on managing dermatomyositis during pregnancy and its impact on maternal and infant outcomes.
Research Team: Shahtalebi N, Rieger-Torres S, Tan J, Needham A, Huang K, Amiri N.
ABSTRACT #: 34
Expanding the Clinical Spectrum of Myositis with Prominent B Cell Aggregates (Bcm).
In myositis, the presence of a large number of a specific type of immune cells called B-cells is an uncommon finding on muscle biopsy. This study shows that this pathological finding should raise the suspicion of an overlapping autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.
Research Team: Shen HC, Hudson M, Ramanathan B, Troyanov Y, Landon-Cardinal O, O’Ferrall E, Karamchandani J, Ellezam B, Allard-Chamard H, Leclair V. Funded by Myositis Canada.
ABSTRACT #: 33
Confidence Check: Closing the Educational Gaps in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.
This international survey found that most pediatric rheumatologists lack confidence in managing immune-related side-effects from immune checkpoint inhibitors, medications that treat cancer by activating the immune system, and are unaware of existing resources by organizations such as EULAR and CanRIO; however, many reported their interest in learning and noted their preference for online education. These findings will inform the development of online educational resources.
Research Team: Storwick J, Ye C, Jamal S, Maltez N, Chan M.
ABSTRACT #: 25
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: a Pediatric Needs Assessment.
This international survey found that many pediatric rheumatologists are not familiar with the side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, medications that treat cancer by activating the immune system and can cause auto-immune rheumatic side-effects affecting the joints and other organs. Most have never taken care of a patient with these conditions and lack both knowledge and confidence to do so. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational programs and clinical guidelines to address these gaps and improve patient care
Research Team: Storwick J, Ye C, Jamal S, Maltez N, Chan M.
ABSTRACT #: 24
Anti-Spike Antibodies Protect Against Covid-19 Infection in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Findings from the Succeed Study.
This study found that, in people with rheumatic diseases, higher levels of anti-spike antibodies produced after COVID-19 vaccination were specifically associated with lower odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Notably, the level of protective proteins a person generated was the only factor linked to reduced breakthrough infection rates, underscoring the importance of COVID-19 vaccination in providing protection for individuals with rheumatic diseases, even those on immunosuppressive medications.
Research Team: Tan J, Avina-Zubieta JA, Fortin PR, Gingras AC, Larché MH, Bowdish D, Berger C, Colmegna I, Hitchon C, Lacaille D, Richards DP, Lalonde N, Kirmani A, Lee JLF, Bernatsky S.
ABSTRACT #: 14
Clinical Features and Disease Phenotypes as Study Entry Criteria for Scleroderma Encompass Patients with Significant Biological Heterogeneity.
In this clinical trial for systemic sclerosis, researchers analyzed blood samples from 6 participants to see how certain immune system markers are affected by the disease. The results showed that immune markers in the blood varied between patients with similar clinical features. Whether blood markers will predict response to treatment requires further investigation. If so, it could help in selecting patients who are more likely to respond to certain treatments for future clinical trials testing new treatments for systemic sclerosis.
Research Team: Wong K, Maximilien L Zhang Q, Banina M, Prabhune R, Biard L, Hoa S, Wang H, Gilkeson G, Farge D, Colmegna I, Hudson M.
ABSTRACT #: 23
Psoriasis/psoriatic Arthritis Patients Do Not Have an Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: a General Population-Based Study.
This study assessed whether people with psoriatic disease (skin psoriasis or arthritis) have an increased risk of blood clots, including clots in the veins (deep vein thrombosis) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Using data on everyone in the province of British Columbia, the study did not find a significant difference compared to the general population.
Research Team: Yue C, Arreola L, Needham A, De Sa Ellwanger H, Li L, Chan J, Chan D, Tan J, Lu N, Avina-Zubieta JA.
ABSTRACT #: 20
Sialic Acid Binding Ig-Like Lectin 1 is a Biomarker of Disease Activity in Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies.
This study identified a novel biomarker called SIGLEC1 which was found to be an indicator of disease activity in people with myositis, a disease characterized by inflammation in the muscles. The connection was observed particularly in patients with skin lesions, joint pain, and abdominal pain.
Research Team: Barreth N, Krustev E, Clarke A, Moran Toro C, St. Pierre Y, Sciore P, Fritzler MJ, Hudson M, Leclair V, Choi MY on behalf of the Canadian Inflammatory Myopathy Study (CIMS) group.
Workshop#: WORKSHOP 1D_04
How Does Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Affect the Employment and Usual Activities of Adolescents? the Ucan Can-Du and Cure International Prospective Study.
This Dutch-Canadian collaborative study looked at how juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects work and daily activities of working-age patients. Over the 1-year study period, patients reported being absent from work around 9% of work time and, when at work, having a 28% reduction in work productivity. They also reported a 29% impairment in non-work daily activities. This study highlights the high impact of juvenile arthritis on people’s lives.
Research Team: Marshall DA, Dal Ben R, Currie GR, Yeung RSM, Vastert S, Wulffraat N, Swart J, Benseler SM, On behalf of the UCAN CAN-DU and UCAN CURE Consortia.
Workshop #: WORKSHOP2G_04
The Forgotten Costs of SLE: Estimating Indirect Costs in a National SLE Cohort.
This international study looked at the hidden costs of systemic lupus erythematosus, focusing on the time lost from paid and unpaid work and daily activities due to illness, also called indirect costs. The study found that people with lupus experienced substantial indirect costs and that women incurred disproportionally higher costs from unpaid work compared to men. This study emphasizes the importance of including costs from lost productivity and unpaid work in economic analyses, weighing the costs and benefits of new emerging therapies.
Research Team: Barber MRW, St-Pierre Y, Bernatsky S, Vinet E, Urowitz M, Gladman D, Peschken C, Hanly J, Legge A, Fortin P, Clarke A.
Workshop #: WORKSHOP1D_01
