Educational Objectives

After completing this program, the participant should be better able to:

Compare the cardiovascular effects of anti-inflammatory medications through a review of key prospective and epidemiological studies
Describe the in vivo and in vitro mechanics of endothelial dysfunction and how this relates to potential cardiovascular class effects of anti-inflammatory drugs
Discuss what is needed for a pharmacologic study to assess efficacy and adverse effects in anti-inflammatory medications

Program Overview

Based on the recent worldwide withdrawal of rofecoxib from the market, there is an urgent need among physicians who treat acute or chronic pain for the most current information on the safety of available anti-inflammatory agents. In particular, physicians are questioning the potential cardiovascular effects of the class of selective anti-inflammatory drugs, and how to choose safe and effective treatments for their patients.

This HyperCD^® educational program is a CME-certified enduring material based on the information presented at the November 8th satellite symposium held during the 2004 Scientific Session of the American Heart Association in New Orleans, Louisiana. This program provides clinicians with up-to-date evidence that addresses current questions on the use of COX-2 specific inhibitors through presentation of key prospective, epidemiologic and endothelial dysfunction studies. In addition, expert commentary concerning the implications of these findings is provided.

This one-hour video program was developed from interviews of the faculty as well excerpts of the satellite symposium and includes discussions on the following topics:

Introductions:
Carl J. Pepine, MD and Thomas F. Lüscher, MD, FRCP
In Vitro Studies of Endothelial Dysfunction
R. Preston Mason, MBA, PhD
In Vivo Studies of Endothelial Dysfunction
Frank Ruschitzka, MD
Historical Review: Rationale for Use and The Class-Effect Question
Lee S. Simon, MD
Epidemiological Studies and Hypothetical Mechanisms
Wayne A. Ray, MD
The Role of Future Studies and Study Design for Anti-inflammatory Medications
Jeffrey S. Borer, MD
Closing Remarks
Carl J. Pepine, MD and Thomas F. Lüscher, MD, FRCP

Target Audience

This program has been designed to meet the needs of cardiologists, rheumatologists, pain medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, primary care nurse practitioners and physician's assistants.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this educational program are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect those of PIM, Impact Communications, Summit Grey, Pfizer Inc or the journal in which it was distributed.

Method of Participation

To obtain your CME credit, please review the learning objectives and then simply watch the video and take the online CME test. After you successfully complete the test and submit the program evaluation, a computer-generated CME certificate will automatically be sent to your e-mail address. This activity is comprised of a video portion as well as an internet portion.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM), Impact Communications, and Summit Grey. PIM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

The Postgraduate Institute for Medicine 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.

A statement of credit will be issued only upon receipt of a completed activity evaluation form and a completed post-test with a score of 70% or better.

Faculty Disclosure

All faculty participating in continuing education activities sponsored by PIM are expected to disclose to the audience any real or apparent commercial financial affiliations related to the content of their presentation/materials. Faculty bios and disclosure statements appear in the Faculty section of the website accompanying this HyperCD^®.

Jointly sponsored by: