Background

• One in a thousand children get diagnosed with arthritis every year

• This means that around 15,000 children in the UK have arthritis

• There are many different types of arthritis

• It is estimated that up to one third of children will still be affected in adulthood

• Little is known about the long-term outcome for children with arthritis

Why did we start CAPS?

The most frequent questions children and families ask about arthritis include:

1. Why did I/my child get arthritis?
2. What are the long term effects of arthritis in terms of physical outcomes?
3. What are the long term effects of arthritis on quality of life?
4. Are their risks of taking medications long-term?

We all need to work together to find answers to these questions

About CAPS

• Established in 2001, funded by Arthritis Research UK
• Recruits children aged under 16 with arthritis in one or more joints
• Data collected at first diagnosis then annually for 5 years and at 7 and 10 years after diagnosis
• Additional data collected when patient is aged 16, 18 and 21 years