Clinicians and researchers
The Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS) is a longitudinal inception cohort study. Since 2001, children presenting to one of seven paediatric rheumatology centres across the UK with a new onset of idiopathic inflammatory arthritis have been approached to join this study. Upon consent, data are captured from both the medical record and the patient/families at regular intervals for out to 10 years or until transition to adult rheumatology. These data include clinical outcomes, treatment data, functional and psychosocial information (using validated outcome measures such as CHAQ). Additional information at ages 16, 18 and 21 is obtained directly from participants.
All participants are also asked to provide at least 1 blood sample for serum and DNA analysis and in a subset of children undergoing joint injection, a sample of synovial fluid has also been stored.
For Researchers
The Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS) is a longitudinal inception cohort study, funded by Arthritis Research UK, which first began on 2001. The overall aim of this study is to describe and predict the long-term outcomes of children and young people who develop inflammatory arthritis, primarily juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The study now has over 1600 participants, making it one of the largest inception cohorts for childhood arthritis in the world. The clinical data and biological samples available represent an extremely valuable resource.
A wide range of publications have emerged from this study looking at a range of clinical outcomes. Additionally, data from CAPS has contributed to our knowledge of the role genetics plays in disease susceptibility and outcome.
We have a proud history of successful academic collaborations with investigators outside of The University of Manchester and we welcome new academic collaborators, which will maximise the scientific yield from this study. Data extracts are also available for third parties.
For those interested in exploring academic collaboration or access to data, please contact Professor Kimme Hyrich (kimme.hyrich@manchester.ac.uk) in the first instance to discuss your proposal.