ArcMesa Educators - Continuing Medical Education Resources and Archieve

Translating Evidence to Practice: A Case-Based Approach to VTE Prevention, Diagnosis & Management
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Samuel Goldhaber, MD, | Ruth B. Morrison, RN, BSN, CVN | James B. Groce, III, PharmD, CACP | Sylvia McKean, MD
CME credit hour: 2.0
This case-based educational program will help you to identify and discuss pertinent clinical data for the treatment and prevention of VTE, as well as demonstrate how these data can be interpreted and applied into clinical practice. This would include discussion of current issues and controversies surrounding management of VTE, identifying risk factors for VTE, the treatment and secondary prophylaxis in VTE, treatment options for the management of acute PE, as well a special consideration for the medically ill or patients with comorbidities. By reviewing specific patient cases, our esteemed faculty will provide concise and contemporary insight addressing concerns practitioners have regarding the management of patients with VTE.

Inflammatory Aspects and Detection of Vulnerable Plaque: Clinical Impact of Assessement
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Peter Libby, MD | John Cooke, MD, PhD | Antonius F. W. van der Steen, PhD
CME / CE credit hours: 2.0
Rupture-prone (i.e. "vulnerable") plaques are a primary cause of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction. Though the features of rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques have been described by pathologists, the identification of high-risk plaque in vivo remains a challenge. While coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis of a plaque, alternative detection methods that rely upon physical, optical, and mechanical parameters may help to direct treatment decisions and improve clinical outcomes.

Addressing Safety Concerns in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Jon Hanifin, MD | Mark Boguniewicz, MD | Adelaide Hebert, MD | Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD
CME / CE credit hour: 1.0
In this CME activity, four distinguished members of the medical community review and discuss current clinical trial data focusing on safety issues surrounding the use of topical corticosteroid and TCIs. Panel members review the potential short- and long-term adverse effects of each drug class and then place this information into context by evaluating the risk-benefit ratio associated with each treatment.

The Conundrum of Rash in Management of EGFR Inhibitors (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD | Mario Lacouture, MD | Roman Perez-Soler, MD | Sandy Kurtin, RN, MS, AOCN^®, NP
CME / CE credit hour: 1.0
New therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been used in the treatment of a variety of cancers. Although generally well tolerated, EGFR inhibitors are associated with the development of dermatologic reactions (e.g., papulopustular rash, xerosis, pruritus, periungual inflammation, and alopecia) in most patients. At present, little is known about the etiology of these reactions, and no evidence-based management guidelines have been set forth in the dermatologic literature.

Cardiovascular and Renal Protection In Patients with Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: George L. Bakris, MD, F.A.S.N.
CME Credit hour: 1.0
Micro- and macrovascular complications affecting the heart and kidneys are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Aggressive blood pressure management, in addition to glycemic and lipid management, can provide significant cardiovascular and renal protection in this high-risk patient population. Controlling blood pressure has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and microvascular disease. However, many patients with hypertension receive no or suboptimal treatment, and most of those patients do not reach the recommended blood pressure goals.

This program addresses the challenges faced by clinicians who treat hypertension and provides evidence-based strategies for optimizing blood pressure control to prevent cardiovascular and renal complications in patients with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

Esophageal Capsule Endoscopy in Evaluating Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis: Current Perspectives on Screening (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Fredric D. Gordon, MD | Hugo E. Vargas, MD
CME credit hours: 2.0
Portal hypertension and esophageal varices are two of the main complications of liver cirrhosis. Bleeding from esophageal varices causes death in about 20% of cases. Current international guidelines recommend conventional endoscopic screening (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) for patients with cirrhosis every few years to detect esophageal varices. Recent innovations in capsule endoscopy show promise that it can be an accurate diagnostic tool in screening these patients.

Applying Innovations in Capsule Endoscopy to Clinical Practice (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Glenn Eisen, MD, MPH | Prateek Sharma, MD
CME Credit hours: 2.0
Every year, millions of Americans undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) to detect conditions such as GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, chronic heartburn, and esophageal varices. A new technology called capsule endoscopy can aid in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal conditions in a less invasive and more time effective manner. Use of this device for widespread screening may lead to an increase in the number of patients evaluated for gastroesophageal disease. This program will review several gastroesophageal diseases as well as provide an overview of capsule endoscopy in evaluating these diseases as well as Crohn's disease.

Real World Best Practices for DVT Prophylaxis
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Paul E. Marik, MD, FCCP, FCCM | Arthur P. Wheeler, MD, FCCP | Jamie E. Siegel, MD | Sandra L. Kane-Gill, PharmD, MSc.
CME Credit hours: 1.5
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. There exists a gap in knowledge for the treatment of VTE with secondary prophylaxis, acute PE, as well as a special consideration for the critically ill (e.g. volume overloaded) or patients with comorbidities (e.g. renal insufficiency). Furthermore, the existing clinical data needs to be discussed and interpreted in order to be applied, as well as a discussion surrounding current issues and controversies in VTE treatment and prophylaxis. This program provides concise and contemporary insight addressing concerns practitioners have regarding the management of patients with VTE.

A Global Look at Second Generation Anti-Epileptic Drug Treatment (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Blaise F. D. Bourgeois, MD | Edward P. Sloan, MD, MPH | Barry E. Gidal, PharmD, RPh | Andres M. Kanner, MD
CME credit hours: 1.5
Physicians face unique diagnostic and treatment challenges when treating patients with seizures. Primary care physicians may not be familiar with current treatment options and clinical trial evidence supporting newer first-line agents. In the emergency setting, the evaluation and treatment of a patient with seizures depends upon whether the patient has a history of epilepsy or is presenting with his or her first seizure. Emergency health physicians must decide what level of treatment. This program features a distinguished panel of experts sharing clinical experiences and suggesting strategies for treating patients with epilepsy with a focus on primary care and emergency treatment.

Current Perspectives in Epilepsy Treatment: Focus on Monotherapy
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: John M. Pellock, MD | Michael D. Privitera, MD
CME credit hour: 1.0
Combination therapy with antiepileptic drugs is associated with a variety of complications, including toxicity and the potential for drug interactions. In addition, many patients who do not respond to sequential monotherapy, will not become seizure-free with polytherapy. Monotherapy has several advantages over polytherapy, including a reduced risk of side effects and complications due to drug interactions, lower cost, and better compliance. hts issues relating to the use of newer antiepileptic drugs as monotherapy in the treatment of adults and children with epilepsy.

Pediatric Epilepsy: Identifying & Treating Different Seizure Types
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: John M. Pellock, MD | James W. Wheless, MD | Patricia Dean, ARNP, MSN
CME Credit hour: 1.0
Nearly one-third of the population newly diagnosed with epilepsy each year is children. More specifically, 45,000 children under the age of 15 develop epilepsy each year. Classification of seizure disorders has evolved considerably over time and many new treatment options have become available in recent years. For the majority of patients, seizures can be adequately controlled without unendurable side effects. This program will examine issues and considerations related to identifying seizure types and managing epilepsy in pediatric patients.

Special Considerations in the Treatment of Geriatric Epilepsy
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Mark Spitz, MD | James Cloyd, PharmD | Ilo Leppik, MD
CME Credit hour: 1.0
Currently, 1.5 million elderly people reside in nursing homes, therefore as many as 150,000 elderly patients in nursing homes may be taking AEDs. The widespread prevalence of epilepsy in this population indicates a need to educate the physicians who treat them. Upon completing t his program, physicians will be able to discuss the epidemiology of epilepsy in the elderly, review the means by which seizures are produced and presented in geriatric patients to better understand which treatment is most appropriate, and discuss the special considerations that must be addressed regarding drug interactions in these patients as well as new data regarding the safety and tolerability of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments in this population.

Patient Reviews in Myeloma E-Learning
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Sundar Jagannath, MD | Robert Z. Orlowski, MD, PhD | Paul G. Richardson, MD
CME credit hours: earn up to 8.0 credit hours
While there are standard treatment paradigms for patients with multiple myeloma, the majority of patients eventually relapse. A number of new agents, including the immunomodulatory agents thalidomide and lenalidomide and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, have demonstrated impressive response rates in combination with established regimens and offer new hope for patients. Log on to review an interesting case study to earn .5 credits. Additionally, you have the opportunity to submit your own case studies for additional CME credits and the opportunity to be selected as a speaker for 1 of 2 upcoming Web conferences.

Promoting Metabolic and Endocrine Health in Children and Adolescents Treated with Antipsychotics
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Christoph U. Correll, MD | Robert L. Findling, MD | Linmarie Sikich, MD
CE credit hour: 1.0
Clinicians need to carefully consider the overall impact of weight gain, associated metabolic issues, and endocrine abnormalities associated with antipsychotic treatment. Several recent epidemiological studies have documented a sharp increase in the prescription of second-generation antipsychotics for children and adolescents with psychotic and non-psychotic conditions. A thorough understanding of the different adverse effect profiles of second-generation antipsychotic agents is required to effectively manage the mental and physical health of this vulnerable patient population.

Interpreting Important Clinical Trials in Schizophrenia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Antipsychotics (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Scott Stroup, MD, MPH | Joseph McEvoy, MD | Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH
CME credit hour: 1.0
Schizophrenia is a major mental illness, affecting approximately 2.4 million American adults. It is also among the world’s top ten causes of long-term disability. The availability of antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia has greatly expanded with the addition of several newer agents, and it is therefore important for clinicians to be able to compare these agents with regard to long-term efficacy and safety. This program focuses on several recent clinical trials in hopes of providing doctors with information to help guide the selection of anti-psychotic medications for patients with schizophrenia. This educational activity is designed to help interpret the findings of these trials and assist physicians faced with the common and confusing dilemma of choosing an antipsychotic agent that will produce the most positive outcomes for their patients with schizophrenia.

Benefits and Risks of Antipsychotic Medication: A Focus on Sedation (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: John M. Kane, MD | Christoph U. Correll, MD | Del D. Miller, PharmD, MD
CME credit hour: 1.0
In the management of psychotic episodes, the implications of sedation differ depending upon the intervention stage. Sedation that is advantageous in acute intervention may interfere with therapy in later stages. Historically, the sedation associated with older antipsychotic agents was considered a sign of efficacy. Recent studies, however, show that newer antipsychotic agents effectively control both psychosis and acute agitation with minimal sedation. Use of these agents may achieve acute control while allowing the patient to participate in therapeutic and normal daily activities. In this program, our experts will review the role of sedation in the management of psychotic episodes, from acute stabilization through maintenance.

Diagnosing & Treating Atypical Depression (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Michael E. Thase, MD | Jonathan W. Stewart, MD | John M. Zajecka, MD
CME Credit hour: 1.0
Join Dr. Michael Thase, Dr. Jonathan Stewart, and Dr. John Zajecka, as they discuss the biologic profile, diagnosis, and treatment of atypical depression. These three distinguished panelists share their clinical experiences and suggest strategies for diagnosing and treating patients with atypical depression.

Real World Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Drugs in Patients with Chronic Mental Illness
(Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: John W. Newcomer, MD | John M. Kane, MD | T. Scott Stroup, MD, MPH | Michael F. Green, PhD | Lawrence Blonde, MD, FACP, FACE
CME Credit hour: 1.0
This CME initiative features a panel discussion delving into the overall "illness burden" associated with mental illness. A highly regarded panel of experts in the area of psychiatry and mental illness will discuss the different domains of function and how to put them all together to provide better treatment for their patients.

Novel Therapies in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Roy Fleischmann, MD | Kathryn Hobbs, MD | Philip Mease, MD | Alan J. Bridges, MD
CME credit hours: 1.5
Recent developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include the approval of two new biologic agents (abatacept and rituximab), earlier initiation of treatment, and a move toward tight control of therapy with consistent monitoring of disease activity. Data from clinical trials of abatacept and rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis suggest these agents are relatively effective and safe. Our panel of rheumatology experts discusses these issues within the context of recent clinical trial results and the implications for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CME Credit hours: 1.5

The Role of Imaging in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: What Does this Mean for My Patients? (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Orrin M. Troum, M.D. | John V. Crues, III, MD | Sergio Schwartzman, MD
CE credit hour: 1.0
RA management requires frequent monitoring and adjustment of therapy. Therefore, imaging data is an important component of assessing RA severity. New research into the use of ultrasound, MRI, and x-ray show that these imaging techniques have the potential for greater clinical benefits than traditional radiography. This activity aims to provide physicians with the tools necessary to interpret and score imaging data and ultimately, better utilize this information for improving patient outcomes.

A Review of Cold-Induced Urticaria Disorders (Accreditation Expired)
Faculty: Hal M. Hoffman, MD
CME credit hour: 1.0
This program reviews cold-induced urticaria disorders and the characteristics that distinguish acquired from hereditary disorders. Each of these cold-induced urticaria disorders may have multifactorial etiologies and an unclear natural history course within the various types of acquired (primary, secondary and atypical), as well as hereditary and familial cold uriticaria. As new clinical data reveal more about these conditions, this program aims to educate healthcare professionals on the pathology, symptoms, distinguishing features and treatment of the condition in order to avoid more severe complications.