Earn up to 1 AMA PRA Category I Credit™

Statement of Purpose:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and remains the fourth leading cause of death in the USA.

Prevalence and morbidity data have underestimated the total burden of COPD because the disease is usually not diagnosed until it is clinically apparent and moderately advanced. COPD is a more costly disease than asthma with over half of the costs for services associated with exacerbations.

The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by spirometry which is recommended to detect airway obstruction and to facilitate smoking cessation. The available medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can reduce or abolish symptoms, increase exercise capacity, reduce the number and severity of exacerbations, and improve general health status.

The economic burden of chronic respiratory disease is considerable both in terms of direct medical costs, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity and wages. Careful management, including patient education and compliance, can improve the quality of life for patients and lessen the burden to an already stretched health care system.

The American Thoracic Society in conjunction with the European Respiratory Society has released a new set of guidelines entitled Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with COPD. These guidelines provide a compass for the effective management of all patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

• Understanding that COPD is a complex, preventable and treatable disease according to the ATS/ERS definition, you will become aware of symptoms that could indicate early COPD, particularly in patients at high risk.
• Recognzing the importance of spirometry in both diagnosing and managing COPD, you will perform spirometric testing on all of your patients who are at risk for COPD, and those who have been diagnosed with COPD as a tool for management.
• Given the fact that aggressive therapy with guideline-recommended medications and oxygen have an important role in the effective management of COPD, and that overall patient management with appropriate immunizations, help with smoking cessation, etc., you will manage your patients with COPD utilizing these therapeutic tools.

Target Audience:

This activity was developed to provide the most pertinent information to family physicians, general practitioners, general internists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Along with all involved in the care of patients with COPD.

Accreditation Statement:
Release Date: April 18, 2007
Valid for credit through April 18, 2008

Faculty & Disclosures:

Michael O. Fleming, MD, FAAFP - Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Comprehensive Care, LSU Health Science Center School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA; Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA; Senior Medical Director, Antidote Education Company, Dallas, TX

Dr. Fleming disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Mark W. Millard, MD - Medical Director, Baylor Martha Foster Lung Care Center, Dallas, TX; Current President, Dallas Asthma Consortium, Dallas, TX

Dr. Millard disclosed that he has received hororaria from AstraZeneca, Behringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and Pfizer.