Southern Medical Journal CME topic: statin therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Need

Rheumatoid arthritis, (RA) a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis which destroys the synovial joints, has no known cure, despite improved therapy. The reasons for decreased life expectancy are multifactorial, but cardiovascular disease has increasingly been recognized as a contributor to the decreased morbidity and mortality of patients with RA. Statins have become a powerful tool in the rheumatoid arthritis armamentarium. In addition to lowering cholesterol, they also affect multiple aspects of the inflammatory process, including leukocyte migration and adhesion, T-cell stimulation, nitric oxide bioavailability, generation of free radicals, and angiogenesis. Recent studies have shown that statins may be an ideal medication for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as they provide mild anti-inflammatory benefits and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Target Audience

The following CME feature was designed for physicians in all specialties, particularly those in primary care.

Purpose and Objectives

After completing this activity, participants should be better prepared to evaluate and treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and should be more informed regarding the potential treatment opportunities offered by statins.

Disclosure

Southern Medical Association's policy on disclosure requires authors to disclose to the audience: (1) any commercial relationships that may create or may be perceived as creating a potential conflict of interest with the material being presented or discussed; (2) any relationships with products or devices presented or discussed; and (3) whether the presentation includes a discussion of a commercial product with an unlabeled use or an investigational use not yet approved. Disclosures will be noted in the footnote of each article. This disclosure does not reflect on the quality of the activity, but allows participants to make informed judgments regarding content.

Accreditation/Credit Designation

The Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This CME activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Elements (including the Standard for Commercial Support) and Accreditation policies. The Southern Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

Method of Participation

Participants read the entire CME feature and review illustrations, charts, bibliographies or other supplemental materials associated with the feature. A self-assessment test follows at the end of this feature that allows participants to test themselves on the knowledge obtained from the activity. Participants document their completion of this activity by submitting the CME credit form located at the end of the feature. Participants are also asked to evaluate the activity, to note specific outcomes to their practice as a result of their participation, and list other topics to be addressed in future CME features on the CME credit form.

CME Credit Instructions

Participants may request CME credit for completion of this activity by completing and submitting the CME Credit form by mail, or electronically via SMA's website at www.sma.org. A nominal fee is required to receive credit for this activity. A CME certificate will be mailed within two weeks of receipt of the CME credit form at the SMA headquarters office.

Date of Original Release: May 1, 2005

Term of Approval: 1 Year * Credit Expires: May 1, 2006

Estimated Time for Completion: 1 Hour

Credit Designation: 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit