Arthritis Research Canada at
Lupus 2025
May 24
Interval-censored outcomes and flare risk after hydroxychloroquine tapering/cessation: sensitivity analyses of Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) inception cohort data. #O052
This international study of people with lupus from the SLICC cohort found that when people with lupus stop or reduce the dose of hydroxychloroquine they have a higher chance of their disease flaring. This study supports current clinical care recommendations about the importance of cautious tapering of hydroxychloroquine and the need for ongoing clinical monitoring.
Research Team: Kaddoura R, Almeida-Brasil C, Hanly J, Urowitz M, Clarke AE, Ruiz-Irastorza G, Gordon C, Ramsey Goldman R, Petri M, Ginzler E, Wallace DJ, Bae SC, Romero-Diaz J, Dooley MA, Peschken C, Isenberg D, Rahman A, Manzi S, Jacobsen S, Lim SS, Van Vollenhoven R, Nived O, Jönsen A, Kamen DL, Aranow C, Sanchez-Guerrero J, Gladman DD, Fortin PR, Alarcón GS, Merrill J, Kalunian K, Ramos-Casals M, Steinsson K, Zoma A, Askanase A, Khamashta MA, Bruce I, Inanc M, Lukusa L, Abrahamowicz M, Bernatsky S.
Overweight and obesity are key modifiable risk factors for adverse outcomes in SLE pregnancies. #O066
This study found that in pregnant women with lupus, those who were overweight or obese before pregnancy were more likely to experience serious pregnancy complications such as premature birth, stillbirth, or babies born very small compared to women with a normal body weight. This highlights the importance of supporting a healthy weight before pregnancy in women with lupus to help reduce the risk of poor outcomes for both mom and baby.
Research Team: Vinet E, Clarke AE, Barber M, Fortin PR, Hanly J, Legge A, Bae SC, Sacre K, Bernatsky S.
Acute care utilization in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and/or systemic lupus erythematosus. #PV078
The researchers found that people with lupus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome used hospital and emergency services far more often than those without these conditions, and this was true both before and after their diagnosis. This shows us that these conditions place a large demand on healthcare resources, so we need to improve timely diagnosis and care strategies.
Research Team: Barber M, Clarke AE, Skeith L
Polypharmacy among people living with systemic lupus erythematosus. #PV054
Taking multiple medications at once (polypharmacy) is common in people living with lupus. This study found that taking five or more medications was linked to older age, having more organ damage from lupus, and needing higher doses of glucocorticosteroid medication, but was not linked to an increased risk of death after accounting for these factors.
Research Team: Lucy Eum, Lindsey Puddicombe, Alexandra Legge
Protein subunit and MRNA Covid-19 vaccines: comparative study on induced-immunogenicity in rituximab-treated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis. #PV143
This study found that people with autoimmune diseases treated with rituximab had stronger and longer-lasting antibody responses after a fourth dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (such as Moderna or Pfizer vaccines) compared to a protein-based vaccine (such as Nuvaxovid). This is important because it helps inform our vaccine choices for immunocompromised patients on rituximab.
Research Team: Fortin PR, Amiable N, Colmegna I, Hare F, Julien AS, Benlarbi M, Dubé M, Léger-Thériault S, 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.
Covid-19 booster vaccination, either mRNA or protein subunit vaccines, appears safe in rituximab-treated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis. PV144
This study found that booster COVID-19 vaccines, both mRNA or protein-based, are safe for people with autoimmune diseases who are taking rituximab medication. This supports continued booster vaccination in this group of people, especially because they are at a higher risk of COVID-19..
Research Team: Fortin PR, Amiable N, Colmegna I, Harel F, Julien AS, Benlarbi M, Dubé M, Léger-Thériault S, 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.
Prevalence and incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus in Catalonia (Spain) a population-based study. #PV084.
This study looked at how common lupus is in Catalonia, Spain, and found that about 14 out of every 100,000 people had the disease, and women were affected much more often than men. Lupus rates were lower in Spain when compared to Northern Europe, and over a quarter of people with lupus were not originally from Spain. These findings are important for helping to plan allocation of health care resources for lupus in Spain.
Research Team: Gómez-Puerta J, Grau M, Tebé C, Frade-Sosa B, Sarmiento Monroy J, Corzo P, Sanmartí R, Aviña-Zubieta JA.
Patient preferences for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus— a qualitative study. #PV263
This study looked at how people with lupus make treatment decisions. The study found that patients prioritized avoiding side effects, preventing long-term damage, and maintaining quality of life. Concerns about the risk of hydroxychloroquine affecting the eyes was a key issue but patients noted that they felt reassured by regular screening and trusted their healthcare team in making decisions.
Research Team: Jorge A, Lee G, Panchot K, Zhou B, Choi HK, Sepucha K, Costenbader K
Novel urinary biomarker model for differentiating lupus nephritis from ANCA associated vasculitis. #PV126
Lupus nephritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis are both kidney conditions that can be hard to tell apart. The researchers aimed to create a diagnostic test based on urine biomarkers that could help doctors differentiate between the two conditions. The new model showed promise, with an accuracy of 79%.
Research Team: Li M, Barreth N, Cheema K, Muruve D, St. Pierre Y, Clarke A, Sciore P, Fritzler M, Choi M.
Comparing childhood-onset versus adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus young adults’ lived employment experiences. #PV147
This study found that young adults with lupus face challenges in school and work, but their experiences differ depending on when they were diagnosed. Those diagnosed in childhood struggled more with concentration and social impacts, while those diagnosed in adulthood reported more pain, forgetfulness, and feeling judged. Both groups benefited from flexible schedules and support. This reveals the need for personalized guidance and accommodations to help young people with lupus succeed in their education and careers.
Research Team: Lim L, Jahaghi N, Golding M, Nishat F, Merrill K, Lacaille D, Oguzoglu U, Woodgate R, Stinson J, Peschken C, Touma Z, Protudjer J.
Investigating Canadians’ information needs related to lupus: a Google trends analysis of online search query data. #PV096
This study examined Google Trends data and found that the public’s interest in lupus increased after celebrity Selena Gomez’s diagnosis and after medical milestones were achieved. Understanding where and when people are searching for information about lupus can help us design more targeted and effective educational efforts, to reduce health disparities and improve the lives of people affected by lupus.
Research Team: Shantz E, Williamson T, Elliott S, Sperling C, Choi M.
Fine particulate matter air pollution and anti-nuclear antibody positivity: the Ontario Health Study. #PV075
This study found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution (PM2.5) were more likely to have strongly positive tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a possible early sign of autoimmune disease. This suggests that air pollution may play a role in triggering immune system changes that can lead to diseases like lupus.
Research Team: Zhao N, Smargiassi A, Chen H, Choi M, Fritzler M, Touma Z, Awadalla P, Aviña-Zubieta JA, Bernatsky S
