Lessons learned from Canadian databases in RA, SLE and systemic sclerosis: highlights from the Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting

Abstract

Canadian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Quebec City, Canada, 3–7 February 2015 Several important topics were presented at the Canadian Rheumatology Association meeting in Quebec City, 2015. This conference report focuses on Canadian database research in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and connective tissue disease. Many patients with RA are lost to follow-up and this affects their future care as they frequently discontinue their disease modifying antirheumatic drug. Treating to a target has been well described in RA, whereas in systemic lupus erythematosus, there is both undertreatment (patients in a high or moderate disease activity state) and also the ability in others to demedicate include stopping immune suppressants. The utility of the recently published criteria for systemic sclerosis was debated as applying the criteria could classify many more patients than those who truly have systemic sclerosis.