Eular 2025 - The European Rheumatology Congress - is over. Four hectic days of lectures, posters, debates and practical sessions gathered around 14,000 professionals from all over the world in Barcelona. Norway posed strongly, with broad participation from researchers, clinicians, health professionals and patient representatives. The themes excited from technology and pain mechanisms to health economics and patient involvement. Here are some of the contributions.
In the picture you see Rikke Helene Moe, the Vice Director of Eular HPR.
🔬 From the understanding of illness to accurate treatment
Even Lillejordet presented the first findings of the NOR-sprint study, which follow patients with psoriasis arthritis (PSA) as they start their first DMard treatment.
The study shows that as many as 87 % have active psoriasis, 80 % have joints, and more than 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 with thorough studies before treatment starts.
Nina Østerås was invited to talk about where osteoarthritis research is today. As head of the work on new European guidelines for the treatment of hip and knee arthritis, she highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the treatment- and how we can learn from each other's experiences in Europe and the United States.
Gunhild Hagen (PhD) participated with several posts, including about proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The 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 in gout provides better quality of life over five years.
Daniel Huseby Bordvik presented findings from the NOR-Hand study on pain phenotypes at handrosis. The study examines both stability and characteristics of various pain patterns - an important key in order to provide the right treatment to the right patient.
Brigitte Michelsen (PhD) presented a study showing that patients with ankylosing spondylitis are at 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 attack in patients with inflammatory joint diseases . He examines whether the outcome is different compared to patients without such diagnoses.
Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold (Professor) contributed several lectures, including on small intestine affection for systemic sclerosis (SSC) and EULAR/ERS guidelines for lung disease in the case of connective tissue disease. She also participated in professional debate on combination therapy with immunomodulatory and antifibrotic drugs.
Henrik Mangseth contributed a post on how to define abnormal lung function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis .
📱 Digital self -mastery and health technology
Johan Stjärne presented a study of feasibility of a larger study at Urika, an app for self -mastery in gout.
The study showed high satisfaction in the users. Over 70 % of feasibility targets were reached. This is a good basis for further testing in larger studies.
Kristine Aasness Fjeldstad shared insights into how people with hand -arthritis experience using Happy Hands app. The app supported users in changing habits and mastering 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 security, flexibility and accessibility must be balanced to succeed in 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 of hip and knee arthritis, 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 efficient - and is perceived as motivating by the participants.
Ingunn Sagberg presented results from a large survey on patient satisfaction in 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 labor participation and social security.
Emil Thomassen was invited lecturer in Move Together session, where he highlighted and showed how physical activity can create community and mastery -in close collaboration between patients and health professionals.
🧠Patient involvement and health literacy
Anna Fryxelius contributed several posters, including the use of 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 competence among migrants with inflammatory rheumatic disease. The study highlights both strengths and barriers to these patients. Research provides important insight into how information and support can be better adapted.
Heidi Bertheussen was invited to talk about how to train both user representatives and researchers to optimize patient involvement in research .
📢 Dissemination and interaction
Rikke Helene Moe , the Vice President of the Eular HPR, presented the EULAR's strategy to strengthen the health profession in Europe . She emphasized that it was just contacting to contribute to Eular's purpose!
Hilde Berner Hammer (professor) led several hand-on sessions in ultrasound , focusing on how to quickly and effectively use handheld ultrasound devices in clinical practice. Participation was high - and interest in training in ultrasound great across countries and professions.
Kathrine Daniloff from Remedy was invited to lead a Meet The Expert session on research dissemination. She emphasized the importance of communicating research findings on several platforms - and to different target groups: "The more surfaces we cover, the greater the chance that we reach those who need the information."
✔ EULAR 2025
Shows that the Norwegian academic environment is active, innovative and patient -close. With contributions from researchers, health professionals and patient representatives, important topics are set on the agenda - to inspiration to the entire European rheumatology environment.
Anna Fryxelius from the Norwegian Rheumatics Association contributed several posters, including the use of the James Lind Alliance method to identify the 20 most important research questions for people with rheumatic diseases.
