HIV Patients and Weight Loss: Optimizing Care to Improve
Outcomes Faculty: Robert Demling, MD - Chair | Donald Kotler, MD | Christine Wanke, MD CME credit hours: 1.0
HIV Patients and Weight Loss: Optimizing Care to Improve
Outcomes: HIV-associated wasting was first identified by the Centers for Disease Control as an AIDS
defining condition in 1987. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral
therapy, it was hoped that control of viral count would result in the
elimination of wasting as a major sequel of HIV infection. This has turned out
not to be the case. HIV wasting remains a serious, debilitating, and sometimes
life-threatening condition. Care providers need to be vigilant to identify and
properly treat patients who suffer from this disorder. This activity will review the pathogenesis of protein energy
malnutrition in general and its relation to the etiology of HIV-related weight
loss. Additionally, we will discuss the epidemiology of HIV-associated wasting
and the treatment options available.
Osteoporosis: Opportunity for Better Outcomes Faculty: Felicia Cosman, MD | Nelson B. Watts, MD | Michael R. McClung, MD | Kenneth W. Lyles, MD CME credit hours: 2.0
Osteoporotic fractures affect millions of postmen-opausal women, and can have a substantial negative effect on daily functioning and quality of life. These fractures are associated with an increased risk of future fracture, clinical complications, and a higher risk of death. However, osteoporosis remains woefully under-diagnosed and undertreated, even among patients who already have fractures. When treatment is provided, adherence and persistence are often suboptimal, reducing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Congestion in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Case Based Discussion Faculty: Mihai Gheorghiade, MD, FACC | Clyde W. Yancy, MD, FACC, FAHA, FACP CME credit hours: 1.5
This program reviews the definition, demographics, and risks of acute decompensated heart failure. Our expert faculty will discuss the strengths, limitations and concerns of standard therapies such as diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes, and natriuretic peptides. The faculty will also discuss emerging therapies including ultrafiltration, adenosine antagonists, and vasopressin receptor antagonists. This activity aims to give cardiologists and other cardiac care givers a good understanding of how to optimize medical therapy for their patients with acute decompensated heart failure, with an emphasis on relieving symptoms.
ACS Patients and Antiplatelet Resistance: Where We Are and Where We're Going.
Faculty: Deepak L. Bhatt, MD |
Cindy L. Grines, MD |
Peter B. Berger, MD CME / CE credit hour: 1.5
Myocardial ischemia secondary to acute restrictions in coronary artery blood flow leads to acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is the standard of care for patients with ACS. However, resistance to these agents is associated with adverse clinical events, and is of great concern to clinicians. This educational program will review clinical data pertinent to the current state of antiplatelet therapy for the management of patients with ACS.
Promoting Metabolic and Endocrine Health in Children and Adolescents Treated with Antipsychotics Faculty: Christoph U. Correll, MD | Robert L. Findling, MD | Linmarie Sikich, MD CE credit hour: 1.0 Clinicians need to carefully consider the overall impact of weight gain, associated metabolic issues, and endocrine abnormalities associated with antipsychotic treatment. Several recent epidemiological studies have documented a sharp increase in the prescription of second-generation antipsychotics for children and adolescents with psychotic and non-psychotic conditions. A thorough understanding of the different adverse effect profiles of second-generation antipsychotic agents is required to effectively manage the mental and physical health of this vulnerable patient population.
Generic Substitution and Therapeutic Equivalence of Antiepileptic Drugs: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Issues in Epilepsy Management A Priority Report Faculty: John M. Pellock, MD | Andrew J. Pultz, Jr, PharmD, RPh CME / CE credit hour: 1.0 The issue of generic drug substitution is complex and often poorly understood by physicians and pharmacists. Although the FDA requires that two drugs are similar as demonstrated by bioequivalence data, therapeutic equivalence (or therapeutic effectiveness) and bioequivalence are not necessarily the same. In the case of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), the therapeutic range over which they are effective may be narrow and, although generic substitution of AEDs may be appropriate for some patients with epilepsy, it may represent suboptimal care for others. This program will give an overview of these and other important issues associated with generic substitution of AEDs.
Translating Evidence to Practice: A Case-Based Approach to VTE Prevention, Diagnosis & Management (Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Samuel Goldhaber, MD, | Ruth B. Morrison, RN, BSN, CVN | James B. Groce, III, PharmD, CACP | Sylvia McKean, MD CME credit hour: 2.0
This case-based educational program will help you to identify and discuss pertinent clinical data for the treatment and prevention of VTE, as well as demonstrate how these data can be interpreted and applied into clinical practice. This would include discussion of current issues and controversies surrounding management of VTE, identifying risk factors for VTE, the treatment and secondary prophylaxis in VTE, treatment options for the management of acute PE, as well a special consideration for the medically ill or patients with comorbidities. By reviewing specific patient cases, our esteemed faculty will provide concise and contemporary insight addressing concerns practitioners have regarding the management of patients with VTE.
The Practical and Regulatory Perspective of Bioequivalence Faculty: Sandra L. Kane-Gill, PharmD, MSC | Joseph F. Dasta, MS, FCCM, FCCP | Nicholas M. Fleischer, RPh, PhD. | Mary Lea Gora-Harper, PharmD, FASHP CE Credit hour: 1.0
Bioequivalence needs to be determined before an automatic substitution of products or product dosage forms can be made. When automatic substitutions between brand and generic, generic and generic or between dosage forms are made, clinicians need to be aware of the potential clinical and regulatory issues associated with these substitutions. While product interchange between brand and generic medications, generic and generic medications or different forms of the same product is not typically a problem, this activity will highlight some examples of clinical concerns and related regulation considerations. It will also provide some direction on obtaining relevant information of bioequivalence.
Applying Principles to Practice in the Treatment of Osteoporosis Faculty: John P. Bilezikian, MD, FACP, MACE | E. Michael Lewiecki, MD, FACP | Paul D. Miller, MD, FACP CME Credit hour: 1.5 The role of the clinician in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis is well established; however, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. As a result, it is imperative for clinicians in all specialties to screen for and treat osteoporosis to prevent fractures and reduce burden of disease. This program will discuss barriers to providing optimal osteoporosis care and explore how alternative routes of administration can improve outcomes for patients with osteoporosis.
The Role of Imaging in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: What Does this Mean for My Patients? (Accreditation Expired) Faculty:Orrin M. Troum, M.D. | John V. Crues, III, MD | Sergio Schwartzman, MD CE credit hour: 1.0 RA management requires frequent monitoring and adjustment of therapy. Therefore, imaging data is an important component of assessing RA severity. New research into the use of ultrasound, MRI, and x-ray show that these imaging techniques have the potential for greater clinical benefits than traditional radiography. This activity aims to provide physicians with the tools necessary to interpret and score imaging data and ultimately, better utilize this information for improving patient outcomes.
Closing the Gap to Adherence in Schizophrenia: Putting Evidence
Into Practice (Accreditation Expired) Faculty:John M. Kane, MD CME credit hour: 1.0
Discontinuation of treatment has been identified as a grave concern and obstacle to optimal outcomes in patients with schizophrenia, and a major contributor to discontinuation of treatment is lack of patient adherence to treatment. To improve compliance among patients, psychiatrists first must identify noncompliant patients and then institute a treatment plan that will take into consideration the barriers to compliance that many patients face. Clinicians also must examine their own barriers to optimizing patient adherence. Finally, clinicians must have strategies for monitoring compliance on an ongoing basis and in a way that patients will accept. This activity is intended to address each of these items through expert commentary provided from a highly respected psychiatrist in schizophrenia.
Common Misconceptions With Bioequivalence & Interchangeability Faculty:Andrew J. Pultz, Jr, PharmD, RPh | Joseph F. Dasta, MSc, FCCM, FCCP | Sandra L. Kane-Gill, PharmD, MSc CE credit hour: 1.0 Bioequivalence is a comparison of two or more products with respect to their bioavailabilities. Bioequivalence of trade and generic products or different dosage forms of the same product needs to be determined before the products can be legally interchanged. Numerous factors can affect bioavailability (and bioequivalence) determinations. Thus, there is a great potential for wide variability among the pharmacokinetic profiles among patient populations and bioequivalence determinations. As pharmacists and Nurses, we are in an optimal position to prevent or intervene when a patient is experiencing drug-drug and drug-food interaction resulting in bioavailability alterations with outcomes including sub-therapeutic responses or adverse events. While product interchange between trade and generic medications or between dosage forms of the same product is typically not a problem this activity is going to highlight some examples of when it is a concern.
Contemporary Cardiovascular Ultrasound: A Case Based Approach Faculty: Bijoy K. Khandheria, MD, FESC, FASE, FACC | Pamela R. Burgess, BS, RDCS, RDMS, RVT | Rick Rigling, BS, RDCS, FASE CME credit hour: 1.0
An expert panel of faculty discusses the use of cardiovascular ultrasound techniques utilizing real-world case studies. The panel demonstrates the use of established techniques and methods of diagnosis, as well as the investigation of extended applications of existing contrast agents. Additionally, a presentation of case studies demonstrates how development of newer contrast agents and optimization of ultrasound imaging acquisition techniques can ensure a minimally invasive, yet precise method of assessing coronary artery disease. These important new developments establish that echocardiography will play an ever increasing role in the management of cardiac patients.
Technological Advances in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases (Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Steven L. Mendelsohn, MD, PhD | Toni-Annette Clinton, PhD CME credit hour: 1.0
Autoimmune disease diagnosis is historically based on clinical and laboratory evidence using traditional protein detection techniques. Testing for these highly variable diseases is complex and often misinterpreted. As the pathology and clinical understanding of systemic autoimmune diseases are elucidated, the testing requirements are also becoming more complex and continue to evolve. The goals of improved testing are to establish the diagnosis, predict the prognosis and disease course and monitor treatment in a cost-effective manner. This program aims to give clinicians, as well as laboratory technicians, a good understanding of the testing, positive result patterns, and disease associations required to accomplish this goal.
A Review of Cold-Induced Urticaria Disorders(Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Hal M. Hoffman, MD CME credit hour: 1.0 This program reviews cold-induced urticaria disorders and the characteristics that distinguish acquired from hereditary disorders. Each of these cold-induced urticaria disorders may have multifactorial etiologies and an unclear natural history course within the various types of acquired (primary, secondary and atypical), as well as hereditary and familial cold uriticaria. As new clinical data reveal more about these conditions, this program aims to educate healthcare professionals on the pathology, symptoms, distinguishing features and treatment of the condition in order to avoid more severe complications.
Interpreting Important Clinical Trials in Schizophrenia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Antipsychotics(Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Scott Stroup, MD, MPH | Joseph McEvoy, MD | Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH CME credit hour: 1.0
Schizophrenia is a major mental illness, affecting approximately 2.4 million American adults. It is also among the world’s top ten causes of long-term disability. The availability of antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia has greatly expanded with the addition of several newer agents, and it is therefore important for clinicians to be able to compare these agents with regard to long-term efficacy and safety. This program focuses on several recent clinical trials in hopes of providing doctors with information to help guide the selection of anti-psychotic medications for patients with schizophrenia. This educational activity is designed to help interpret the findings of these trials and assist physicians faced with the common and confusing dilemma of choosing an antipsychotic agent that will produce the most positive outcomes for their patients with schizophrenia.
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ACS Patients and Antiplatelet Resistance: Where We Are and Where We're Going.
Promoting Metabolic and Endocrine Health in Children and Adolescents Treated with Antipsychotics
Generic Substitution and Therapeutic Equivalence of Antiepileptic Drugs: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Issues in Epilepsy Management
Translating Evidence to Practice: A Case-Based Approach to VTE Prevention, Diagnosis & Management
The Practical and Regulatory Perspective of Bioequivalence
Applying Principles to Practice in the Treatment of Osteoporosis
The Role of Imaging in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: What Does this Mean for My Patients?
Interpreting Important Clinical Trials in Schizophrenia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Antipsychotics