Arthritis Research Canada at EULAR 2025

June 13

The EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology is the primary platform for exchange of scientific and clinical information in Europe. It seeks to provide a forum of the highest standard for scientific, educational and social exchange between professionals involved in rheumatology. It also incorporates liaising with patient organizations in order to achieve progress in the clinical care of people with rheumatic diseases.

The EULAR Congress attracts over 18,000 delegates from more than 130 countries and takes place in a major European city. This year, the EULAR Congress will take place in Barcelona from June 11 to June 14.

To learn about Arthritis Research Canada research presented at the EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology (Day 3), please scroll down.

Lung transplant outcomes in patients with myositis- and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease compared to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a multicentric retrospective analysis. OP0319

This study is the first to report on short-term and long-term outcomes of lung transplantation in patients with myositis and systemic sclerosis, compared to the most common of lung diseases requiring lung transplantation, called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Although survival and risk of rejection and complications post-transplant were similar, important differences in disease manifestations were noted. These findings emphasize the need for tailored management strategies to optimize outcomes in these distinct patient populations.

Research Team: Saleh N, Chang A, Yu A, Seyed-Jalaldin D, Hoa S, Levy R, Wilson J, Poirier C, Yee J, Choi J, Landon-Cardinal O, Kim H, Huang K

Anaerobicidal antibiotic use and risk of gout flares: target trial emulation for potential role of the microbiome in gout with chronic kidney disease. OP0306

This study found that people with chronic kidney problems who took the antibiotic clindamycin had more than three times the number of gout attacks compared to those who took a different antibiotic called trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. These findings suggest that certain helpful gut bacteria, which clindamycin can kill, play an important role in keeping uric acid levels balanced and help with preventing gout attacks.

Research Team: McCormick N, Rai S, Yokose C, Lu L, Terkeltaub R, Nazzal L, Li H, Dodd D, Choi HK.

Dietary fiber intake and the risk of gout among women: prospective analysis for the potential role of the microbiome in gout. OP0301

This study, which followed over 80,000 women over time, found that women who ate more fiber, particularly from cereal and fruits, had a 30% lower risk of developing gout over 34 years. These findings suggest that fiber may help prevent gout, likely by promoting healthy gut bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Research Team: Rai S, McCormick N, Yokose C, Terkeltaub R, Dodd D, Nazzal L, Li H, Sun Q, Choi H.

Impact of tirzepatide on musculoskeletal pain and risky analgesic use among non-diabetic individuals with overweight or obese body habitus: a propensity score-matched, active comparator, new user design study. POS0209

This study found that people with excess weight who took tirzepatide (a GLP-1 receptor co-agonist) had less joint pain and were less likely to need pain medications like NSAIDs and opioids compared to those taking phentermine. Tirzepatide users also saw more weight loss, fewer heart problems, and lower death rates. This study reveals that tirzepatide may help reduce pain and improve overall health in people with obesity, beyond helping with weight loss.

Research Team: Challener G, Ma KSk, McCormick N, Kohler M, Yinh J, Yokose C, Rai S, Porterfield F, Jorge A, Choi HK. 

Type I interferon activity in persistently antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients with or without lupus: results from antiphospholipid syndrome alliance for clinical trials and international networking (aps action) clinical database and repository (“registry”). POS0200

This study, using data from an international cohort of people with antiphospholipid syndrome (the APS ACTION registry), found that about one-third of people with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) had high levels of immune activity linked to lupus, regardless of whether they had lupus or not. This suggests that lupus-like immune responses may be common in people with aPL, which could help improve diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Research Team: Kallas R, Nimoni A, Piatchou Donfack NM, Jannat-Khah D, Barber M, Kello N, Belmont HM, Fortin PR, Branch DW, Duarte-Garcia A, Petri M, Knight J, Willis R, Bertolaccini ML, Cohen H, Niewold T, Erkan D.

Effects of Mat Pilates Exercises on Physical Performance and Related Parameters in Women with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Clinical Trial. OP0378

This study found that participating in a 12-week mat Pilates program significantly improved physical function, muscle endurance, fatigue, disease activity, and quality of life in women with psoriatic arthritis, compared to receiving standard treatment alone. This shows that Pilates may be a valuable addition to routine care for increasing the well-being of women living with psoriatic arthritis.

Research Team: Inanc I, Solmaz D, Sarac DC, Baskan E, Ozkan A, Karaca NB, Akar S, Bayraktar D. 

Gaps in training and expertise in myositis outcome measures: insights from the 2024 MCTC investigators’ survey. POS1060

This global study that surveyed doctors and researchers involved in myositis care and research found that many lack formal training in how to measure the impact of treatment in clinical trials. Less than 1 in 5 were certified in key assessment tools used to track disease improvement. The study sheds light on the urgent need for better education and certification programs to ensure accurate, consistent, and reliable outcomes in future myositis research.

Research Team: Keret S, Tang IYK, Kim H, Yoshida A, Dourado E, Conticini E, Landon-Cardinal O, Ardalan K, Bishnoi A, Pais F, Usman SY, Dominguez S, Tulluru G, Kavadichanda C, Rivero Gallegos D, Bozan F, Lilleker JB, Sreerama Reddy K, Smail R, Khoo T, Lan TY, Leclair V, Rosina S, Jansen M, Yi B, Oddis CV, Vencovsky J, Kuwana M, Rider L, Gandiga PC, Aggarwal R

Anti-nor-90 antibodies in an international cohort of 2140 systemic sclerosis subjects: clinical associations. POS0947

This international study included more than 2,000 people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and identified that a rare antibody, anti-NOR-90 was found in only 2% of patients, usually alongside other SSc-related antibodies. People with this antibody were more likely to have digital ulcers, even after accounting for other factors. No clear link to cancer was found. This study might help doctors identify which patients are at higher risk for digital ulcers.

Research Team: Shen HC, Hudson M, Proudman SM, Walker JG, Stevens W, Nikpour M, Assassi S, Mayes MD, Wang M, Leclair V, Troyanov Y, Baron M, Larche M, Choi MY, Osman M, Pope J, Thorne C, Fritzler M, Hoa S

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