Arthritis Research Canada

Day 2 of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence conference features more exciting research presented by Arthritis Research Canada scientists and trainees. #ACR26

Here are some of the highlights from Day 2:

• Arthritis Research Canada scientists Drs. Hyon Choi and Natalie McCormick (@natalie_mccor) at Harvard University showed the benefits of the “treat to target’ strategy for gout at preventing heart attacks and strokes in addition to reducing gout flares.

• Scientist Dr. Carrie Ye from the University of Alberta used AI to screen for joint swelling using smartphone photos of hands. This could be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis earlier, and to monitor disease activity via telehealth.

• Scientists Drs. Hyon Choi and Natalie McCormick from Harvard University have found that a new type of diabetes medications, called SGLT2 inhibitors, also benefits gout by decreasing blood levels of uric acid. Using this medication can treat diabetes and gout at the same time, in people who have both diseases.

• Scientist Dr. May Choi and trainee Sajida Alkadri from the University of Calgary are testing how urine biomarkers reflect active inflammation in the kidneys in people with kidney disease from lupus. Identifying patterns of urine proteins will allow for monitoring treatment response without needing to repeat kidney biopsies.

• As part of a trial testing different diets for psoriatic arthritis, scientist Dr. Lihi Eder from the University of Toronto examined the challenges of making changes to one’s diet and what supports make it easier.

• A study by clinician investigator Dr. Neda Amiri from the University of British Columbia examined the effects on pregnancy of taking glucocorticoid for rheumatic diseases. Except for higher rates of preterm birth, which could be due to more severe disease in women needing steroids, no other complications were observed.

Explore all of the studies that will be presented at the conference in our Day 2 research roundup: ow.ly/sfax5104Jmn @ACRheum

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence conference in Florida began today and brought together people from all over the world to share new findings, exchange ideas and build connections that strengthen arthritis research. #ACR26

Here are some of the research highlights from Arthritis Research Canada's presentations at the conference today:

• A study from the Canadian Early Arthritis (CATCH) cohort led by Arthritis Research Canada scientist Dr. Susan Bartlett (@Susanbartlett12), PhD from McGill University found that people with early rheumatoid arthritis who experience anxiety or depression at the time of starting advanced therapies for rheumatoid arthritis have more concerns about their medications and are more likely to stop medications sooner.

• A study from the CATCH cohort led by scientist Dr Susan Bartlett, PhD found that people with rheumatoid arthritis with anxiety or depression at the time of starting advanced therapy experienced less of a response to treatment and had worse health outcomes.

• A study by trainee Steven Dang and scientist Dr. Lihi Eder (@lihi_eder) from the University of Toronto found that immune cells responded differently to certain medications in men and women. This research paves the way for tailoring treatment decisions based on patients’ sex.

• A study by scientist Dr. Lihi Eder highlights gaps in obesity care in patients with psoriatic arthritis with a high BMI.

• An international study of people with psoriatic arthritis led by scientist Dr. Lihi Eder uncovers differences in how the disease manifests itself in women and men.

• A study by scientist Dr. Susan Bartlett, PhD sheds light on what drives fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

• A study by scientists Drs. Hyon Choi and Natalie McCormick (@natalie_mccor), and trainee Dr. Sharan Rai, PhD from Harvard University, uncovered a large number of novel biomarkers linked to diet, gut bacteria and hormones that influence the risk of gout in women.

Read our Day 1 research roundup to explore all the studies presented by Arthritis Research Canada scientists and trainees. ow.ly/GSe95104IqB
@ACRheum

Arthritis Research Canada senior scientist Dr. Paul Fortin was recognized this weekend as a Master of the American College of Rheumatology, which is one of the highest honours the College bestows. The designation recognizes outstanding contributions to the American College of Rheumatology and the field of rheumatology.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fortin has advanced research into systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, particularly lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome. He has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and led clinical trials that have helped shape lupus treatment and care.

Please congratulate Dr. Fortin on this prestigious achievement in the comments. Read more in our latest announcement: ow.ly/kXsf5104NOQ

How can different areas of health care work together to better support people living with obesity and arthritis?

Arthritis Research Canada trainee Dr. Derin Karacabeyli shares insights with RheumNow about building a multidisciplinary program for obesity and arthritis management, bringing together different perspectives to help address the needs of people living with both.

Watch the video to learn more: ow.ly/iyvS5102itE

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Join us tomorrow at 10 am Pacific Time (British Columbia) for a session about how thoughtful giving can benefit both the causes you care about and your own financial goals, showing how charitable giving can help you maximize tax benefits.

If you can’t join us live, register and we’ll send you the recording. Save your spot: ow.ly/2bRm50ZXQOJ