Cardiology

Antithrombotics Meet the
Challenges of ACS and VTE

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Antithrombotics Meet the Challenges of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Based on the live CE satellite symposium conducted at the 2006 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting

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Dear Colleague,

Despite important advances in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), these conditions continue to exact a heavy toll. Cardiovascular diseases, including the ACS components unstable angina, non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, are leading causes of death and morbidity in developed countries. VTE affects approximately 1 in 1000 people each year in the United States.

Although antithrombotic therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for both conditions, the choice of agent has become increasingly complex. For decades, aspirin, heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, were the only options available. In the past few years, however, advances in the understanding of the coagulation cascade have transformed drug development in the field of cardiology. A synthetic inhibitor of factor Xa (fondaparinux) and derivatives of hirudin (desirudin, bivalirudin) have been approved, other indirect and direct inhibitors of factor Xa and direct thrombin inhibitors are in clinical trials, and other agents are in development. Determining how best to incorporate these new agents into existing regimens for ACS and VTE requires up-to-date information on the clinical efficacy and safety of these agents. Tailored especially for health system pharmacists, Antithrombotics Meet the Challenges of ACS and VTE focuses on these important treatment issues.

Sincerely,

CHAIR
Edith A. Nutescu, PharmD Clinical Associate Professor Director of Antithrombosis Center Pharmacy Practice University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy Chicago, Illinois
FACULTY William E. Dager, PharmD Pharmacist Specialist University of California—Davis Medical Center Sacramento, California
Bob L. Lobo, PharmD Assistant Director, Clinical Pharmacy Pharmacy Administration Methodist University Hospital Memphis, Tennessee
Maureen A. Smythe, PharmD, FCCP Clinical Pharmacist Department of Pharmaceutical Services William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Michigan

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TARGET AUDIENCE

This CE activity is directed to health system and hospital pharmacists involved in the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes and venous thromboembolism.

ACTIVITY GOAL

The goal of Antithrombotics Meet the Challenges of ACS and VTE is to examine and evaluate current and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to assist health system and hospital pharmacists integrate them into their health and hospital systems. The objective is to ameliorate the morbidity and mortality associated with ACS and VTE in patients at risk and improve patient quality of life.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Based on the epidemiology and burden of ACS and VTE, evaluate the need for early intervention to improve patient outcomes.
By assessing the efficacy and safety of currently approved antithrombotic therapies, formulate treatment strategies for patients with ACS or VTE in the hospital setting that maximize efficacy and minimize side effects, including bleeding.
Assess the efficacy and safety of emerging new antithrombotic therapies for the treatment of ACS and VTE and the prevention of VTE to determine how they could be used to optimize patient outcomes and safety.

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CE INFORMATION

Statement of Accreditation: Pharmacists

Projects In Knowledge is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the ACPE Criteria for Quality and Interpretive Guidelines. The ACPE Universal Program Number assigned to this program, for 1 contact hour (0.1 CEU), is 052-000-07-001-H01.

CE Instructions

To obtain credit for this activity:

Read this newsletter carefully.
Complete/submit the posttest and evaluation.
Instantly access and print out your certificate.

There is no fee for this activity.

Contract for Mutual Responsibility in CME/CE
Projects In Knowledge has developed the contract to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality professional education to clinicians, and to help clinicians set educational goals to challenge and enhance their learning experience.
For more information on the contract, click here.

DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

The Disclosure Policy of Projects In Knowledge requires that presenters comply with the Standards for Commercial Support. All faculty are required to disclose any personal interest or relationship they or their spouse/partner have with the supporters of this activity or any commercial interest that is discussed in their presentation. Any discussions of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices will also be disclosed in the course materials.

For complete prescribing information on the products discussed during this CE activity, please see your current Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR).

William E. Dager, PharmD, is a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline.

Bob L. Lobo, PharmD, has received grant/research support from and is a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline; and is on the speakers bureau of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Edith A. Nutescu, PharmD, is on the speakers bureau of Eisai Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, and Sanofi-Aventis; and is a consultant for Eisai Inc.

Maureen A. Smythe, PharmD, FCCP, is a consultant for GlaxoSmithKline; and is on the speakers bureau of GlaxoSmithKline and Roche Pharmaceuticals.

Peer Reviewer has no significant relationships to disclose.

Projects In Knowledge's staff members have no significant relationships to disclose.

Conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by the Executive Committee of Projects In Knowledge. All conflicts are resolved prior to the beginning of the activity by the Trust In Knowledge peer review process.

The opinions expressed in this activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily reflect those of Projects In Knowledge.

This CE activity is provided by Projects In Knowledge solely as an educational service. Specific patient care decisions are the responsibility of the clinician caring for the patient.

This independent CE activity is supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

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