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.

Technological Advances in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases (accreditation expired)
Faculty: Steven L. Mendelsohn, MD, PhD | Toni-Annette Clinton, PhD
CME credit hour: 1.0
Autoimmune disease diagnosis is historically based on clinical and laboratory evidence using traditional protein detection techniques. Testing for these highly variable diseases is complex and often misinterpreted. As the pathology and clinical understanding of systemic autoimmune diseases are elucidated, the testing requirements are also becoming more complex and continue to evolve. The goals of improved testing are to establish the diagnosis, predict the prognosis and disease course and monitor treatment in a cost-effective manner. This program aims to give clinicians, as well as laboratory technicians, a good understanding of the testing, positive result patterns, and disease associations required to accomplish this goal.

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.

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