Panelists/lecturers

“Treating RA: The Shift To A More Aggressive Therapeutic Approach”
Linda Davis, MHS, PA-C
Assistant Professor
University Of North Texas Health Science Center

“What The Literature Reveals About Combination Therapy”
Kevin M. Latinis, MD, PhD
Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
University of Kansas Medical Center

“New Biologic DMARDs: Can They Have An Impact?”
Salahuddin Kazi, MD
Chief of Rheumatology
Presbyterian Hospital
Dallas, Texas

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This activity is supported by an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The activity is sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME).

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Target audience: Physicians, rheumatologists, nurses, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who treat rheumatoid arthritis

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Learning objectives:

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Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

• discuss an overview of recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (the impact of TNF-a, T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells and macrophages)

• review the limitations of NSAIDs and analgesics in addressing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis

• describe the emergence and mechanism of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

• discuss the benefits and drawbacks of combining corticosteroids with DMARDs and analgesics in the early management of RA

• review the findings from recent studies of the use of TNF-a inhibitors such as infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab in combination with methotrexate for RA

• cite key considerations in utilizing the aforementioned TNF-a inhibitors in combination therapy in patients with RA

• explain how one would assess an inadequate response to TNF-a inhibitors

• discuss recent studies on the use of abatacept in combination with methotrxate and studies on the use of rituximab in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of RA

• review key considerations in utilizing the aforementioned B-cell and T-cell targeted therapies in combination therapy in patients with RA

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Accreditation:

MD/DO: This activity is sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME). NACCME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NACCME designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1.5 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity has been planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Policies.

Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants accepts AMA Category 1.5 credit for the PRA from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Nurses: ANCC: NACCME is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the PA State Nurses Association for 1.5 contact hours. Provider #: 110-3-E-06. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 13255 for 1.5 contact hours.

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Faculty disclosures: All faculty participating in continuing education programs sponsored by NACCME are expected to disclose to the meeting audience any real or apparent conflicts of interest related to the content of their presentation. It is not assumed that these financial interests or affiliations will have an adverse impact on faculty presentations. Full faculty disclosure will be made at the beginning of the activity.