Arthritis Research Canada at
CRA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025
February 28
To learn more about Arthritis Research Canada research presented at the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting on February 28, please scroll down. We have research on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and much more.
Machine Learning Can Identify An Antinuclear Antibody Pattern That May Rule Out Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases.
This study developed a machine learning model to help differentiate between different patterns of antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, used to screen for systemic auto-immune rheumatic diseases (SARD) such as lupus. Of all the machine learning models tested, the ANA Reader© model was able to identify with high accuracy and precision the AC-2 pattern, which has a low probability of SARD, from other similar-looking patterns that have a high probability of SARDs. This automation of testing has the potential to help speed up SARD diagnoses and reduce unnecessary tests for patients.
Research Team: Moghaddam F, Javad Sajadi M, Hou H, Clarke A, Bernatsky S, Hou H, Costenbader K, Fritzler MJ, Aminghafari, M, Choi MY, on behalf of the SLICC investigators
Abstract #: POD14
Inequities in Fee-For-Service Remuneration Affecting Rheumatologists and Patient Centred Care Across Canada: An Environmental Scan.
This study found large variations in the fees Canadian provinces pay rheumatologists for their services, and what is covered. Virtual care is not reimbursed in all provinces and is often reimbursed at a lower rate than in-person visits. Funding is available in a few provinces for team-based care, such as involving nurses in rheumatology care, and for procedures such as ultrasound. These variations lead to inequities in care across Canada and are a barrier to patient-centred care, especially for patients with challenges accessing local rheumatology care.
Research Team: Kwok T, Lake S, Barber CEH, Hitchon C, Katz S, Jilkine K, Collins D, Lyddell C, Milne A, Stein M, Deslauriers JP, Lazovskis J, Goudie S, Morais S, King L, Widdifield J.
Abstract #: POD11
Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Biosimilar and Originator Rituximab for Induction or Maintenance in AncaAssociated Vasculitis: 6-Month Results of a Longitudinal Cohort Study.
This study compared rituximab biosimilars to the rituximab originators in Canadian patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. The study found no significant differences in remission or relapse after 6 months between people receiving a biosimilar and the originator. Patients who switched from the originator to a biosimilar also continued to have stable disease. These results indicate that biosimilar treatment was as effective and safe as the originator.
Research Team: Mendel A, Barra L, Bernatsky S, Clifford AH, Dabaghjamanesh M, Dehghan N, FifiMah A, Makhzoum JP, Meunier R, Milman N, Soowamber M, Cohen Tervaert J, Yacyshyn E, Khalidi N, Pagnoux C.
Abstract #: POD09
Returning Research Results to Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Patient-Driven Knowledge Translation Strategy from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (Catch).
This knowledge translation initiative shared research findings from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) to study participants and the wider rheumatoid arthritis community to improve patient engagement and transparency and bridge the gap between research and practice. The strategy included creating videos, plain language research summaries, and social media content in English and French on topics like disease management and prevention. These materials were shared via YouTube, social media, and the CATCH website.
Research Team: Proulx L, Bykerk V, Schieir O, Bartlett S, Bessette L, Boire G, Hazlewood G, Hitchon C, Keystone E, Pope J, Thorne C, Tin D, Kuriya B, Allard-Chamard H, Richards DP.
Abstract #: POD12
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Medical and Other Health Professional Visits: the Ucan Can-Du and Cure International Prospective Study.
This Dutch-Canadian collaborative study found that families of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis face significant out-of-pocket costs for travel to doctor visits, treatments, testing, and additional health professional visits (e.g., physiotherapists).
Research Team: Marshall DA, Dal Ben R, Currie GR, Yeung RSM, Vastert S, Swart J, Benseler SM, On behalf of the UCAN CAN-DU and UCAN CURE Consortia.
Presentation #: TOUR6A
Management of Osteoporosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights from a Canadian Academic Division of Rheumatology.
This study looked at improving care for osteoporosis in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. The authors looked at 94 patients, and according to measurements from the FRAX tool, a tool used to measure fracture risk, about half of the patients were at high risk for fractures, but only a small percentage of them were on medication to prevent bone loss.
Research Team: Audet T, Carrier N, Boire G, Allard-Chamard H, Roux S.
Abstract #: 135
Safety of Covid-19 Boosters in People with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases on Rituximab (Covbird Study).
Patients with auto-immune diseases treated with rituximab, are often concerned that vaccination may reactivate their disease. However, this study shows that booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccines appears safe for this group of people.
Research Team: Amiable N, Colmegna I, Harel F, Julien AS, Benlarbi M, Dubé M, Thériault SL, Godbout A, Delgado G. Duchesne M, Cloutier R, Perreault J, Gravel A, Fournier L, Alfonso G, Bourré-Tessier J, Hudson M, Richard N, Makhzoum JP, Mendel A, Bernatsky S, Dionne M, Libman M, De Serres G, Dieudé M, Flamand L, Kaufmann D, Finzi A, Bazin R, Fortin PR.
ABSTRACT #: 90
Comparing Immunogenicity with Protein Subunit and Mrna Covid-19 Vaccines in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases on Rituximab (Covbird Study).
People living with a rheumatic disease and treated with rituximab face reduced vaccine response against COVID-19. Nevertheless, in this group of patients, the authors observed a response to repeat COVID-19 vaccination, and this response appears somewhat better with an RNA vaccine rather than a protein vaccine.
Research Team: Amiable N, Colmegna I, Harel F, Julien AS, Benlarbi M, Dubé M, Thériault SL, Godbout A, Delgado G. Duchesne M, Cloutier R, Perreault J, Gravel A, Fournier L, Alfonso G, Bourré-Tessier J, Hudson M, Richard N, Makhzoum JP, Mendel A, Bernatsky S, Dionne M, Libman M, De Serres G, Dieudé M, Flamand L, Kaufmann D, Finzi A, Bazin R, Fortin PR.
ABSTRACT #: 89
Pulmonary Fibrosis with Autoimmune Features and Sjögren’s Syndrome.
This study compared the characteristics and outcomes of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome-associated antibodies, with or without a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. It found that progression of lung disease was similar across groups, although patients without interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features more frequently became oxygen-dependent.
Research Team: Charbonneau J, Ngeuleu A, Panuta B, Vo C, Rich E, Bourré-Tessier J, Villeneuve E, Manganas H, Gauthier A, Morisset J, Landon-Cardinal O, Hoa S.
ABSTRACT #: 92
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management in a Systemic Sclerosis Cohort: a Quality Improvement Initiative.
This study examined the quality of cardiovascular risk assessment and management amongst patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). It found that nearly 40% of SSc patients had inadequate lipid screening, and many with moderate or high cardiovascular risk did not meet lipid management targets, highlighting the need for improved risk assessment, especially for patients without family medicine follow-up.
Research Team: Charbonneau J, Hoa S.
ABSTRACT #: 93
Appointments by Choice: an Implementation Pilot Study for Patient-Initiated Follow-Up Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The researchers worked with individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatologists, and other care providers to improve timeliness and access to rheumatoid arthritis care. Together, they co-created a new approach called “Appointments By Choice” where people with stable disease only see their rheumatologist when they feel they need it, rather than at pre-scheduled follow-up times.
Research Team: Ester M, Dhiman K, Rebutoc A, Charlton A, White K, Hazlewood G, Manske SL, Lacaille D, Hoens AM, Szpunar M, Then KL, Zimmermann GL, Jung M, Carter E, Mosher DP, Barber C.
ABSTRACT #: 123
Prioritizing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Routine Collection in Rheumatoid Arthritis: an Integrated Consensus-Building Process with Patients and Health Care Providers.
Through a structured consensus-building process, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthcare providers rated and ranked different patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to determine which should be routinely collected during clinical care. While patients and providers had different priorities for measurement, with limited agreement between groups, the study identified physical function as a feasible starting point for routine collection in Alberta since it was highly ranked by patients and supports providers’ documentation needs.
Research Team: Githumbi R, 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 #: 130
Development of National Clinical Practice Guidelines for Transition in Rheumatology.
A Canadian working group has developed clinical practice guidelines for helping youth with rheumatic diseases transition from pediatric to adult care based on previous work done in Europe, evidence from the literature, input from interest groups, and using a consensus-building process. The final guidelines will offer clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
Research Team: Herrington J, Luca N, Linsley E, McColl J, Gakhal N, Rozenblyum E, Pardo J, Hazlewood G, Sirotich E, Garner S, Batthish M, Bessey J, Liu K, Jarvis P, Broderick L, Spiegel S, Matsos M, Stringer E.
ABSTRACT #: 122
Is There Relevance of a Positive Rheumatoid Factor in Systemic Sclerosis? a Systematic Review of the Literature.
The goal of this literature review was to understand the significance of a positive blood test – rheumatoid factor (RF), in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The authors found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a little more common in people with SSc (about 3%), but the rheumatoid factor blood test doesn’t seem to predict joint problems, arthritis, or pain in people who have only SSc and not RA. It might be useful in identifying people with SSc overlapping with Sjogren’s disease. They also found that it may be associated with higher inflammation levels.
Research Team: Khan U, Hoa S, Choi M, Pope J.
ABSTRACT #: 96
Mini-Practice Audit Model (mPAM): Facilitating the CRA RA Guideline Implementation.
This study aimed to improve the use of updated rheumatoid arthritis guidelines by creating and evaluating an educational framework called the Mini-Practice Audit Model (mPAM). An online survey was distributed to rheumatologists to assess their knowledge and practice of guidelines. Results showed that while rheumatologists supported using guidelines, their knowledge and application varied, with gaps in the application of knowledge around things such as medication use, flare-up management, and shared decision-making. Overall, the mPAM helped rheumatologists recognize areas for improvement.
Research Team: Kherani R, Wooster D, Wooster E.
ABSTRACT #: 114
The Impact of Collecting Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (Epros) Between Visits on Rheumatological Care: a Scoping Review.
This study reviewed the existing literature on how electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs), i.e. questionnaires asking about disease symptoms collected online between rheumatologist visits, are used to guide arthritis care for patients with inflammatory arthritis. Their use was found to have the potential to improve health outcomes while reducing in-person appointments, improving medication management, and strengthening patient-doctor communication.
Research Team: Ryzhaya N, Hassen N, Bartlett S, Barber CEH, Michou L, Bansback N, Hazlewood G, Barnabe C, Lacaille D.
ABSTRACT #: 85
Text-Based Messaging to Support Rheumatoid Arthritis Care: An Analysis of Frequency and Content of Text Messages.
This study explored enhancing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care by using a text-messaging platform to connect patients with their rheumatology team. The frequency and content of messages were analyzed, and patient characteristics associated with texting frequency were identified. It found that patients frequently texted about their symptoms and medications, and patients with more complex care needs were found to send significantly more text messages.
Research Team: Sipley M, Zafar S, Ester M, Hazlewood G, Dhiman K, Charlton A, Then KL, Dempsey E. Lester R, Hoens AM, Lacaille D, Sloss S, Barnabe C, Mosher D, Barber CEH.
ABSTRACT #: 127
A Scoping Review of Approaches to Treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Symptoms to Inform the Expanded Version of the JIA Option Map.
This literature review explored existing treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and found that both physical and mental health interventions, such as exercises, massage, educational programs, and NSAIDs, can help manage symptoms; however, most studies were of low to moderate quality. These findings will be used to add new information to the JIA Option Map, a web-based patient decision aid to support decision-making for JIA pain management.
Research Team: Rafieinia M, Stringer E, Martini R, Proulx L, Trehan N, Abrahams N, Sirotich E, Sirois A, Huber M, Duffy C, Décary S, Morgan E, Gaboury I, Birnie KA, Branco P, Kashif I, Brandelli Y, Cappon J, Cavallo S, Connelly M, Cunningham N, Barcellos de Souza J, Ghio D, El Tal T, Gmuca S, Luca N, Mannion M, Tugwell P, Stinson JN, Toupin-April K.
ABSTRACT #: 101
How Are Determinants of Health Inequities Related to Decision-Making in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Care? A Narrative Synthesis.
This study explored how determinants of health inequities, such as sex, gender, culture, education, and sociodemographic factors influence decision-making in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Out of 80 studies identified in this review, only 16 explored these links, revealing a gap in the literature.
Research Team: Toupin-April K. Gaboury I, Popescu S, Stinson JN, M, Duffy C, Huber A, Proulx L, Trehan N, Abrahams N, Sirotich E, Sirois A, Stringer E, Kashif I, Rafieinia M, Martini R, Abrahams N, Décary S, Morgan E, Birnie KA, Branco P, Kashif I, Dachevski A, Morgan E, Decary S, Cavallo S, Boyd A, Tugwell P, Martini R.
ABSTRACT #: 102
Usability and Acceptability of the French Version of the “JIA Option Map” (“Carte d’Options en AJI”): A Web-Based Patient Decision Aid for Young People with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis”.
This study tested the French version of the JIA Option Map, a web-based patient decision aid tool to help young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis manage symptoms. Overall, the app was well-received. Patients found it easy to use, useful for supporting pain management decisions, and for engaging in decision-making with their healthcare providers.
Research Team: Trehan N, Proulx L, Duffy C, Huber A, Abrahams N, Sirois A, Sirotich E, Stringer E, Morgan E, Cohen J, Gaboury I, Li L, Houston A, Cavallo S, Gibbon M, Brinkman W, Connelly M, Weiss J, Gmuca S, Paterson G, Décary S, Tugwell P, Stinson JN, Toupin-April K.
ABSTRACT #: 106
Assessing Quality of Post-TJR Rehabilitation: Care Gaps and Patient Perspectives.
This study aimed to understand the quality of rehabilitation care in Canada for patients who undergo hip and knee replacement surgery. The researchers surveyed 192 patients and found that after hip and knee replacement surgeries, rehabilitation care in Canada did not meet many of the quality indicators developed to assess whether care meets expected standards.
Research Team: Westby M, Koehn C, Barber CEH, Lalande JF, Kerr S, Guirguis M.
ABSTRACT #: 121
