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Program Goals
Rheumatologists and internists need to understand the
impact of new biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis.
The goal of this program is to educate practitioners
who treat rheumatoid arthritis about the impact of new
biologics in that treatment.
Disclaimer
In weighing the benefits of treatment against the risks,
physicians should be guided by clinical judgment. Dosages,
indications, and methods for use of drugs and procedures
referred to in this monograph may reflect the clinical experience
of the authors or may be derived from the professional literature
or other clinical sources. Consult complete prescribing information
before administering any of the drugs discussed.
Learning Objectives
After completing this monograph, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the natural history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): severe functional
declines, radiographic progression, work disability, and premature mortality.
- Appreciate the evidence that treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic
drugs (DMARDs) can have favorable effects on the natural history of RA.
- Examine some of the cost issues relating to the use of biologics in
RA treatment.
- Assess some of the ethical issues surrounding clinical trials in the
rheumatic diseases.
- Discuss the rationale behind aggressive combination DMARD therapy in
RA.
- Review evidence-based data that support the use of a select few combination
DMARD regimens in RA.
- Recognize the actions of DMARDs in the treatment of RA.
- Identify biologics that are being developed and what they target in
inflammation.
- Explain several risk factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with
RA.
- Define why it is important for the primary care physician to consult with
a rheumatologist on a patient with new or early-onset RA.
Faculty
Arthur L. Weaver, MD – Program Chairperson
Director of Clinical Research
Arthritis Center of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
Clinical Professor of Medicine
University of Nebraska School of Medicine
Omaha, Nebraska
John J. Cush, MD
Chief of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Presbyterian Hospital
Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Dallas, Texas
Daniel E. Furst, MD
Director of Arthritis Clinical Research
Virginia Mason Research Center
Seattle, Washington
Joseph A. Markenson, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Director of Clinical Research
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York
Theodore Pincus, MD
Professor of Medicine–Rheumatology
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee |
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