Research summary
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) affect people’s joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles. These diseases include many types of arthritis-including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis-as well as other conditions, such as lupus. They disproportionately affect women and are more common as we age.
Dr. Lihi Eder, Canada Research Chair in Equity in Care of Rheumatic Disorders, is studying health disparities among under-served populations with these diseases. She and her research team are trying to better understand the role that age, sex, gender and ethnicity play in determining the outcomes for people with psoriatic arthritis. They are also working to improve cardiac health among older women with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and developing new imaging-based approaches to promote more equitable access to care. Ultimately, they hope their work will lead to more equitable health care for people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.