Current Strategies for the Diagnosis & Management of Spondyloarthropathies

Faculty

Eric M. Ruderman, MD
Associate Professor
Division of Rheumatology
Northwestern University
Feinberg School of Medicine

Needs Statement

This lecture focuses on the clinical presentation and measurements of disease activity of the spondyloarthropathies and on the available treatments. It is essential that clinicians stay abreast of the advances in these areas for optimal outcomes in the management of the spondyloarthropathies. Topics to be discussed include diagnostic criteria, assessment instruments, and current data on the efficacy of biologics in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Target Audience

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

Objectives

1. Explain the clinical presentation of the spondyloarthropathies and clinical measurements of disease activity;
2. Describe the latest data on the benefits and limitations of biologic therapy in the treatment of spondyloarthropathies;
3. Implement diagnostic and assessment strategies for the management of spondyloarthropathies.

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. Ruderman has received research support from Abbott Laboratories Inc., Amgen, Inc., Biogen Idec Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Genentech Inc. and F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; serves as a consultant to Abbott Laboratories Inc., Amgen, Inc., Biogen Idec Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Company and Genentech Inc.; and has purchased stock from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and UCB, Inc.

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.

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.

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.