AzTrials
AzTrials

CamptodactylyCACPNCT07468461

CACP: Study on Camptodactyly - Arthropathy - Coxa Vara - Pericarditis (CACP) Syndrome

An observational study of Camptodactyly and Arthropathy, run by Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS at 10 sites in 3 countries.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

CACP syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy with synovial hyperplasia, and coxa vara. Occasionally, non-inflammatory pericarditis and pleural effusion may also occur. This syndrome is likely underdiagnosed due to its rarity. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages Up to 18 years
Conditions the study is for
Camptodactyly, Arthropathy, Coxa Vara
How many people
15 participants
Where
10 sitesin 3 countries
Study dates
1 Aug 2025to 1 Jan 2038
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages Up to 18 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Study population: Study population will be selected at the participating centers according to inclusion criteria.

Who may be able to join

  • Patients with clinical diagnosis and genetic confirmation of CACP syndrome.
  • Patients diagnosed during pediatric age (<18 years).
  • Time frame: Patients diagnosed with CACP between January 2005 and January 1, 2026.
  • Informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

Who cannot join

  • Patients without genetic confirmation of the diagnosis.
  • Lack of informed consent from parents or legal guardians.
  • Patients diagnosed before January 1, 2005, or after January 1, 2026.

Trial locations and contacts

10 sites in 3 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Teresa Giani, MD, PhD contact

+39 0555662924

teresa.giani@gmail.com

10 sites in 3 countries

Italy8 sites, 8 recruiting
  • Ospedale Pediatrico Giovanni XXIII

    Bari

    Francesco Latorre

    Not yet recruiting
  • Rheumatology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital

    Florence

    Teresa Giani, MD, PhD, +39 0555662924, teresa.giani@gmail.com

    Recruiting
  • IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini,

    Genova

    Riccardo Papa

    Recruiting
  • ASST Fatebenefratelli

    Milan

    Angela Mauro

    Not yet recruiting
  • Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico

    Milan

    Giovanni Filocamo

    Recruiting
  • Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova

    Padova

    Alessandra Meneghel

    Not yet recruiting
  • Santa Maria Goretti Hospital

    Roma

    Emanuela Delgiudice

    Not yet recruiting
  • Centro di Reumatologia Pediatrica

    Udine

    Giorgia Martini

    Not yet recruiting

Other trials in Italy

Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Hiospedal Sant Joan de Déu

    Barcelona, 208950

    Jordi Anton Lopez

    Not yet recruiting

Other trials in Spain

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Ankara Pediatrik Romatoloji Bilim Dalý Hacettepe Üniversitesi

    Ankara, 06105

    Ezgi Deniz Batu

    Not yet recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Profiling Camptodactyly - Arthropathy - Coxa Vara - Pericarditis (CACP) Syndrome: A Multicenter European Study

CACP syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy with synovial hyperplasia, and coxa vara. Occasionally, non-inflammatory pericarditis and pleural effusion may also occur. This syndrome is likely underdiagnosed due to its rarity. Epidemiological information is limited to isolated case reports or small patient series, with the largest reported cohort including 35 patients.

The genetic cause of CACP syndrome is associated with mutations in the PRG4 gene, located on chromosome 1q31.1. While clinical signs (camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy, and coxa vara) and radiological findings suggest the diagnosis, genetic testing confirms it by identifying pathogenic biallelic mutations in PRG4.

Read more

To date, twenty-two mutations have been identified, all leading to premature stop codons and the absence of functional lubricin. However, the exact pathophysiology of CACP syndrome remains incompletely understood.

Clinical manifestations of CACP syndrome can vary, even within the same family. The progressive and slow onset can initially present as an incomplete clinical picture. However, camptodactyly (85- 100%) and arthropathy (100%) are constant features.

Although genetically homogeneous, CACP exhibits significant intra- and interfamilial phenotypic variability due to secondary genetic factors, environmental modifiers, and complex molecular mechanisms.

Camptodactyly is symmetrical, with variable distribution. It may affect fingers or toes and can be congenital or develop during childhood.

Arthropathy is symmetrical, primarily involving large joints (wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, and hips).

Coxa vara is present in 50-90% of cases, is progressive, and tends to worsen with age. Spinal abnormalities such as lordosis, scoliosis, and kyphosis are possible, though the cervical spine is generally spared.

The articular manifestations of CACP syndrome may mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and patients are often initially misdiagnosed and treated inappropriately.

Joints appear swollen due to non-inflammatory synovial effusion and synovial thickening. They develop contractures, functional limitations, and sometimes musculoskeletal pain.

Non-inflammatory pericarditis is reported in 30% of published cases, with variable clinical courses that may require surgical intervention in cases of constrictive pericarditis.

The routine pathway of assessments and follow-up for patients with CACP syndrome includes an initial detailed evaluation and regular monitoring. Following the diagnosis, which is based on clinical history, imaging studies, and genetic confirmation of PRG4 mutations, patients undergo periodic clinical visits, generally scheduled every six months. During these visits, the progression of the disease, articular symptoms (e.g., camptodactyly, mobility limitations), and possible extraarticular complications, such as pericarditis, are assessed.

Radiological (e.g., X-rays, MRI) and laboratory assessments, however, can be spaced out over longer intervals compared to the schedule of clinical visits, typically every 1-2 years, unless specific indications arise. Nonetheless, these examinations may be requested based on contingent clinical needs, such as a sudden worsening of symptoms or suspicion of complications. This flexible approach helps to balance thorough disease monitoring with minimizing the burden on patients, while ensuring personalized and timely management of the condition.

At present, there is no specific pharmacological treatment for CACP. Management is primarily symptomatic and aimed at preventing joint deformities and extra-articular complications.

Currently, no experimental therapies are available for CACP syndrome, but future research could explore gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and biologics.

This study, involving pediatric and pediatric rheumatology centers across Italy and Europe, aims to collect epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data from a large cohort of patients. Its goals include better defining the disease's characteristics, understanding its natural history, and evaluating different therapeutic approaches and their efficacy. The study will also analyze potential genotypephenotype correlations.

Keywords
Camptodactyly - Arthropathy - Coxa Vara - Pericarditis (CACP) Syndrome
Medical subject headings
Joint Diseases, Coxa Vara, Pericarditis, Syndrome

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Incidence of CACP Syndrome

    Number of newly diagnosed cases of CACP syndrome identified during the study period, reported per population at risk.

    Measured: From enrollment to the next 10 years

  2. Geographic and Ethnic Distribution of CACP Cases

    Number and proportion of confirmed CACP cases per participating country and center and stratified by self-reported ethnicity.

    Measured: From the enrollment to the next 10 years

  3. Clinical Characteristics

    • Frequency of Individual Clinical Manifestations: Proportion of patients presenting with each predefined clinical feature (camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy, coxa vara, non-inflammatory pericarditis), reported individually as present/absent.
    • Interindividual Clinical Variability: Exploration of variations in symptom presentation and disease progression among individuals.

    Measured: From enrollment to the next 10 years

  4. Disease progression

    Assessment of the clinical and radiological course of CACP syndrome, including measurement of disease severity and progression rate.

    Measured: From enrollment to the next 10 years

  5. Disease Complications

    • Incidence of Complications: Proportion of patients developing predefined complications (e.g., constrictive pericarditis, pleural effusion), each reported separately.
    • Management of Complications: Type and frequency of therapeutic interventions used for the management of CACP-related complications.

    Measured: From enrollment to the next 10 years

  6. Distribution of PRG4 Gene Variants

    • Number and proportion of participants carrying each identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in the PRG4 gene.
    • Classification of participants into subgroups based on specific PRG4 variants, with descriptive comparison of associated clinical characteristics.

    Measured: from the enrollment to the next 10 years

  7. Genotype-Phenotype Association

    Statistical association between specific PRG4 variants and predefined clinical manifestations or severity disease.

    Measured: From enrollment to the next 10 years

  8. Geographic and Ethic Distribution of PRG4 Variants

    Number and proportion of specific PRG4 variants stratified by country and center and ethnicity.

    Measured: From enrollment to the next 10 years

  9. Post-Diagnosis Treatments

    After a definitive diagnosis, treatments focus on symptom management and improving patients' quality of life. Commonly used medications include:

    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • Corticosteroids
    • Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections

    Measured: from the enrollment to the next 10 years

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events as assessed by CTCAE v4.0

    Treatment safety will be evaluated by recording the number and type of treatment-related adverse events as assessed by CTCAE v4.0 during the study period.

    Measured: from the enrollment to the next 10 years

  2. Change from baseline in functional disability assessed by Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) score

    Functional disability and quality of life will be assessed using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). The CHAQ evaluates motor function, ability to perform daily activities, and level of autonomy. Scores range from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The change in CHAQ score from baseline to follow-up visits will be analyzed.

    Measured: from the enrollment to the next 10 years

  3. Change from baseline in musculoskeletal pain intensity assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

    Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a continuous scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). The change in VAS score from baseline during follow-up will be analyzed to assess the relationship between pain, disease progression, and treatment response.

    Measured: from enrollement to the next 10 years

  4. Change from baseline in patient global well-being assessed by Patient Global Assessment (PGA) scale

    Psychological and overall well-being will be assessed using the Patient Global Assessment (PGA), a patient-reported outcome measured on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate worse perceived health status. Changes from baseline will be analyzed during follow-up.

    Measured: from enrollement to the next 10 years

  5. Time from symptom onset to confirmed diagnosis of CACP syndrome

    The time between the first reported clinical symptoms and the confirmed diagnosis of CACP syndrome will be recorded for each participant. The average diagnostic delay will be calculated and reported in months.

    Measured: from the enrollment to the next 10 years

  6. Number of participants with prior misdiagnosis before confirmed diagnosis of CACP syndrome

    The number and proportion of participants who received an alternative diagnosis prior to the confirmed diagnosis of CACP syndrome will be recorded. Misdiagnoses may include conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis or other rheumatologic or orthopedic disorders.

    Measured: from the enrollement to the next 10 years

  7. Types of alternative diagnoses prior to confirmed CACP diagnosis

    The different clinical diagnoses assigned before the final diagnosis of CACP syndrome will be collected and categorized to identify the most common diagnostic errors leading to delayed recognition of CACP syndrome.

    Measured: from the enrollement to the next 10 years

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Mar 2026
  2. Study start1 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Jan 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Jan 2038 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Retrospective
Enrolment
15 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07468461
Sponsor's protocol ID
CACP
Acronym
CACP
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
17 Feb 2026
Last updated
16 Mar 2026
Results posted
No

Publications

  • Al-Mayouf SM, Almutairi N, Alismail K. The Efficacy of Yttrium-90 Radiosynovectomy in Patients with Camptodactyly-Arthropathy-Coxa Vara-Pericarditis Syndrome. Mol Imaging Radionucl Ther. 2017 Feb 5;26(1):33-37. doi: 10.4274/mirt.29484.

    PubMed 28291008
  • Albuhairan I, Al-Mayouf SM. Camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxavara-pericarditis syndrome in Saudi Arabia: clinical and molecular genetic findings in 22 patients. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2013 Oct;43(2):292-6. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2012.11.004. Epub 2013 Jan 2.

    PubMed 23290693
  • Singh S, Badiger VA, Balan S, Nampoothiri S, Rao AP, Shah H, Bhavani GS, Narayanan DL, Girisha KM. Thirteen Indians with camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis syndrome. Clin Dysmorphol. 2024 Oct 1;33(4):152-159. doi: 10.1097/MCD.0000000000000500. Epub 2024 Mar 22.

    PubMed 38856641
  • Ciullini Mannurita S, Vignoli M, Bianchi L, Kondi A, Gerloni V, Breda L, Ten Cate R, Alessio M, Ravelli A, Falcini F, Gambineri E. CACP syndrome: identification of five novel mutations and of the first case of UPD in the largest European cohort. Eur J Hum Genet. 2014 Feb;22(2):197-201. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2013.123. Epub 2013 Jun 12.

    PubMed 23756439
  • Sathiyaseelan SL, Krishna K, Agarwal D, Oswal JS. Camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Jul 1;17(7):e260146. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260146.

    PubMed 38955384
  • Yilmaz S, Uludag Alkaya D, Kasapcopur O, Barut K, Akdemir ES, Celen C, Youngblood MW, Yasuno K, Bilguvar K, Gunel M, Tuysuz B. Genotype-phenotype investigation of 35 patients from 11 unrelated families with camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2018 Mar;6(2):230-248. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.364. Epub 2018 Feb 4.

    PubMed 29397575

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Camptodactyly and Arthropathy, run by Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS at 10 sites in 3 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 10 sites in Italy, Spain, Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Teresa Giani, MD, PhD (+39 0555662924, teresa.giani@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Incidence of CACP Syndrome (time frame: From enrollment to the next 10 years). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07468461, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in