Understanding Comorbidities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Faculty

Needs Statement

To assist in the bringing about of optimal outcomes and improved quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, this presentation addresses the potential comorbidities in patients with RA, the possible mechanisms for the increased risk of comorbidities in this population, and emerging data examining the impact of RA treatment on the occurrence and/or prevention of comorbidities.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals who manage the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

Objectives

1. Recognize the potential comorbidities in patients with RA;
2. Describe the possible mechanisms for increased risk of comorbidities  in RA;
3. Explain the potential impact of RA treatment on the occurrence and/or prevention of comorbidities.

To be eligible for credit, participants must participate in the full educational activity, complete the post-test with a score of 70% or better, and complete the online evaluation form.

Accreditation

Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Weisman has received research support from Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Amgen Inc., Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Centocor, Inc., Genentech, Inc., Human Genome Sciences, Inc., PDL BioPharma, Inc., UCB, Inc., XDx Inc., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; and he serves as a consultant to Array Biopharma Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Amgen Inc., Biogen Idec Inc., Centocor, Inc., Elan Corporation, plc., Eli Lilly Company, Genentech, Inc., Human Genome Sciences, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Targeted Genetics Corporation, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

No members of the planning committee report any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests of healthcare products or services related to this activity.

This educational activity does not contain discussion of off-label or investigational use of drugs or devices.

Activity Sponsorship

Supported by an educational grant from:
Abbott Laboratories, Amgen Inc and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Centocor, Inc, Genentech, Inc and Biogen Idec Inc, and UCB, Inc.

 

Copyright © 2008 by North American Center for Continuing Medical Education, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this accredited continuing education activity may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without first obtaining permission from the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education.