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Jointly sponsored by the Office of
Continuing Education at the State
University of New York (SUNY)
Upstate Medical University and
Precept Educational Sciences.
SUNY Upstate Medical University and Precept Educational Sciences
gratefully acknowledge an educational
grant from Abbott
Immunology in
support of this CME activity.
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INTRODUCTION
eMedicine is delighted to offer this free continuing medical education (CME) activity based on presentations at the CME symposium titled When to Treat, How to Use: The Expanding Role of TNF Antagonists in Dermatology, which was held on July 28, 2006, at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina, San Diego, California.
Persons who attended this symposium are NOT eligible to receive AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for completing this enduring material. Please note that the course is accredited only for physicians (MD, DO, or equivalent). All other participants receive a certificate of completion. The State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
ABOUT THE ACTIVITY
Significant evidence supports the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and rheumatoid arthritis. TNF antagonists have been developed specifically to interrupt the deleterious effects of excess circulating amounts of TNF-alpha observed in patients with inflammatory psoriatic disorders. A substantial body of clinical data supports the use of these agents in the management of immune-mediated diseases such as psoriasis and PsA. Data from clinical trials in patients with psoriasis and PsA demonstrate a well-established safety and tolerability profile. Nonetheless, with the increasing use of these agents, identifying best practice measures, such as appropriate patient selection and monitoring, may help to reduce further the incidence of several rare but serious adverse events such as lymphomas, serious infections (eg, tuberculosis), congestive heart failure, demyelinating disorders, and other autoimmune disorders (eg, lupus). Infusion and injection site reactions must also be considered, as they can have an adverse effect on health and compliance. Important practice-related issues, such as treatment of pregnant patients, vaccination of patients, and combination therapy with other agents, are also associated with the use of TNF antagonists. This activity will endeavor to enlighten dermatologists about these issues, providing a clear overview of the appropriate use of these agents.
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