EULAR 2025: Four hectic days of lectures, posters, debates and practical sessions brought together around 14,000 professionals from all over the world in Barcelona. Norway had a strong presence, with broad participation from researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and patient representatives. . Here are some of the contributions.
In the picture you see Rikke Helene Moe, the vice director of EULAR HPR.
The topics the Norwegians brought with them ranged from technology and pain mechanisms to health economics, patient involvement and research dissemination.
🔬 From understanding the disease to effective treatment
Even Lillejordet presented the initial findings from the NOR-SPRINT study, which follows patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as they start their first DMARD treatment.
The study shows that 87% have active psoriasis, 80% have joint swelling, and over half have inflammation visible on ultrasound. Many also had other signs of inflammation, such as dactylitis and tenosynovitis.
The findings show how important it is to have thorough examinations before starting treatment.
Nina Østerås was invited to talk about where osteoarthritis research stands today. As the leader of the work on new European guidelines for the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis, she highlighted the challenges and opportunities in treatment – and how we can learn from each other's experiences in Europe and the USA.
Gunhild Hagen (PhD) participated with several presentations, including on proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Research shows that this follow-up can be cost-effective – and at the same time provide better health outcomes.
She also presented data showing that targeted treatment for gout improves quality of life over five years.
Daniel Huseby Bordvik presented findings from the NOR-HAND study on pain phenotypes in hand osteoarthritis. The study examines both the stability and characteristics of different pain patterns – an important key to providing the right treatment to the right patient.
Brigitte Michelsen (PhD) presented a study showing that patients with ankylosing spondylitis have an increased risk of needing specialized psychiatric follow-up for anxiety and depression – which points to the need for holistic treatment.
Eirik Ikdahl (PhD) presented a study on heart attacks in patients with inflammatory joint diseases . He is investigating whether the outcome is different compared to patients without such diagnoses.
Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold (professor) contributed several lectures, including on small bowel involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and EULAR/ERS guidelines for lung disease in connective tissue disease. She also participated in a professional debate on combination therapy with immunomodulatory and antifibrotic drugs.
Henrik Mangseth contributed a poster on how to define abnormal lung function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis .
📱 Digital self-mastery and health technology
Johan Stjärne presented a feasibility study of a larger study on Urika, an app for self-management of gout.
The study showed high user satisfaction. Over 70% of the feasibility goals were achieved. This provides a good basis for further testing in larger studies.
Kristine Aasness Fjeldstad shared insights into how people with hand osteoarthritis experience using Happy Hands app. The app supported users in changing habits and managing the disease in everyday life – with valuable feedback on what worked.
Christine Hestevik (PhD) showed how patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience remote follow-up and patient-initiated treatment. The study shows how safety, flexibility and accessibility must be balanced to succeed with digital follow-up.
Ingrid Nordmo presented the work on translation, cultural adaptation and response assessment of the Norwegian version of The Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (KOAKS/HOAKS). The tool is used to map patients' knowledge about hip and knee osteoarthritis, and the adaptation makes it possible to use the scale in Norwegian research and clinical settings.
💪 Activity, rehabilitation and working life
Lotte Friid Lauvålien presented a study on high-intensity interval training in water for people with rheumatic disease. The results show that this form of activity can be both safe and effective – and is experienced as motivating by the participants.
Ingunn Sagberg presented results from a large survey on patient satisfaction with patient-initiated follow-up among patients with inflammatory joint disease.
Mari Nilsen Skinnes shared results from a study examining changes in social security benefits before and after rehabilitation. The findings provide insight into how rehabilitation affects work participation and social security.
Emil Thomassen was an invited speaker in the Move Together session, where he highlighted and demonstrated how physical activity can create community and coping - in close collaboration between patients and healthcare personnel.
🧠Patient involvement and health literacy
Anna Fryxelius contributed several posters, including on using the James Lind Alliance method to identify the 20 most important research questions for people with rheumatic diseases. She also highlighted webinars as a platform for dialogue between researchers and users.
Laura Treacy presented a qualitative study on health literacy among migrants with inflammatory rheumatic disease. The study highlights both strengths and barriers these patients face. The research provides important insights into how information and support can be better tailored.
Heidi Bertheussen was invited to talk about how to train both user representatives and researchers to optimize patient involvement in research .
📢 Communication and interaction
Rikke Helene Moe , Vice President of EULAR HPR, presented EULAR's strategy to strengthen the health professions in Europe . She emphasized that all you have to do to contribute to EULAR's mission is get in touch!
Hilde Berner Hammer (professor) led several hands-on sessions in ultrasound , focusing on how to quickly and effectively use handheld ultrasound devices in clinical practice. Participation was high – and interest in ultrasound training was high across countries and professions.
Kathrine Daniloff from REMEDY was invited to lead a Meet the Expert session on research communication. She emphasized the importance of communicating research findings on multiple platforms – and to different target groups: “The more surfaces we cover, the greater the chance that we will reach those who need the information.”
✔ EULAR 2025
shows that the Norwegian professional community is active, innovative and patient-oriented. With contributions from researchers, healthcare professionals and patient representatives, important topics are put on the agenda – an inspiration for the entire European rheumatology community.
Anna Fryxelius from the Norwegian Rheumatology Association contributed several posters, including on using the James Lind Alliance method to identify the 20 most important research questions for people with rheumatic diseases.
