Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Quantification of Protein Interaction Network Dynamics using Multiplexed Co-Immunoprecipitation
Published on: August 21, 2019
International research networks in pediatric rheumatology: the PRINTO perspective
Nicolino Ruperto1, Alberto Martini
1IRCCS G. Gaslini, Università di Genova, Pediatria II-Reumatologia, Genova, Italy. nicolaruperto@ospedale-gaslini.ge.it
Insights
International research networks like PRINTO and PRCSG address challenges in pediatric rheumatic diseases research. Standardized measures and validated instruments improve treatment assessments for children.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pediatric Research
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Pediatric rheumatic diseases are rare, impacting quality of life and long-term outcomes.
- Researching new therapies faces logistic, methodological, and ethical hurdles.
- International collaboration is crucial for advancing pediatric rheumatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify challenges in international collaborative research for pediatric rheumatic diseases.
- To present solutions and successful models for conducting such research.
- To highlight the importance of networks in pediatric rheumatology research.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of international networks: Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group (PRCSG) and Paediatric Rheumatology international Trials Organization (PRINTO).
- Development and standardization of outcome measures and response criteria.
- Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of quality-of-life instruments.
Main Results:
- Standardized evaluation of therapeutic response in juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, and juvenile dermatomyositis.
- Defined clinical remission criteria for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Validated quality-of-life instruments (e.g., Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire) in 32 languages.
Conclusions:
- International trial networks (PRINTO, PRCSG) are essential for pediatric rheumatic diseases research.
- Standardized outcome measures and validated instruments enhance assessment quality.
- Progress enables children to benefit from evidence-based treatments comparable to adults.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to highlight the problems and possible solutions for the conduct of international collaborative research for pediatric rheumatic diseases.
Recent Findings:
Pediatric rheumatic diseases are rare conditions associated with important sequelae on the quality of life and long-term outcome. The research aimed at studying new therapeutic approaches is difficult because of logistic, methodological, and ethical problems. To face these problems, two international networks have been founded: the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group (or PRCSG) and the Paediatric Rheumatology international Trials Organization (or PRINTO). The two networks have the goal to promote, facilitate, and conduct high-quality research into pediatric rheumatic diseases. In particular they have been able to standardize the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, and juvenile dermatomyositis; to draft clinical remission criteria in juvenile idiopathic arthritis; and to provide cross-cultural adapted and validated quality-of-life instruments like the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Child Health Questionnaire in 32 different languages.
Summary:
The creation of large international trial networks such as PRINTO and PRCSG, the definition of internationally recognized and standardized outcome measures and definitions of improvement, the validation of quality-of-life instruments, and the adoption of adequate legislative measures (pediatric rule) have created the basic premises for the best future assessment of pediatric rheumatic diseases. This progress now affords children with pediatric rheumatic diseases the same opportunities as adults to be treated with drugs whose safety and efficacy have been assessed through legitimate scientifically valid investigations.
Related Concept Videos
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
