International trials in paediatric rheumatology: current status

Current treatment of children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) has been changed significantly by the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, due to low market appeal of JCA, few RCTs are being funded by drug companies and none in the more rare childhood rheumatic diseases. In addition, RCTs have several limitations when used for a chronic illness such as JCA. To deal with this situation, the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) is being organized to perform effectiveness trials in addition to efficacy trials in a variety of paediatric rheumatic illnesses.