CME: Current and Emerging Strategies in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

ACCREDITATION EXPIRED: February 15, 2014

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online CME self-learning program:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder in which joints, typically those in the hands and feet, become inflamed, swollen, painful, and stiff. Without appropriate treatment, the inflammation may become chronic and lead to irreversible destruction of bone and cartilage in the affected joints, as well as contribute to the development of clinically important co-morbid conditions with attendant morbidity and mortality.

The past decade has seen major advances in RA treatment. RA patients now have biologic agents available that create a significant improvement in the quality of their lives, with a reduction of symptoms and structural progression of disease. However, even now, no agent is universally effective in all RA patients.  Research is underway on a new class of oral therapies that could be more convenient for patients who must take most current medicines by injection or infusion. Studies also have shown that quantitatively-driven treatment of RA, aiming for a specific target of reduced disease activity, results in greater clinical improvement and a larger reduction in structural damage.

However, RA is a heterogeneous disease, and patient responses to standard treatments are variable. Most recent clinical trials of newer DMARDs alone and in combination with methotrexate have shown that ACR50 response (which includes reducing the signs and symptoms of disease by 50%, according to criteria established by the ACR) was achieved in less than two-thirds of the patients . Until we are able to identify which patients will respond to which treatment, the availability of a variety of agents with different therapeutic targets offers the best opportunity to optimize clinical outcomes.

This program has been designed to bring healthcare professionals’ knowledge of the strategies for treatment and management of RA up to date.

Agenda:

• -  Economic burden of RA in the healthcare system
• -  Impact of RA on different patient populations.
• -  Revised 2010 ACR/EULAR Diagnostic Criteria for RA
• -  Strategies to minimize RA symptoms in different patient populations. 
• -  Challenges to the successful management of RA and treatment option review

Target Audience:

Healthcare professionals specializing in rheumatology, family medicine, geriatrics, internal medicine, primary care, public health, or those who otherwise commonly care for individuals with RA.

This program is supported by educational grants from Bristol-Myers-Squibb.

Release Date: February 15, 2012 -- Expiration Date: February 15, 2014

Faculty: Ann Lynch, PharmD

Agenda

Learning Objectives

Accreditation

Faculty Disclosure and Resolution of COI

Instructions

System Requirements