Earn up to 1 AMA PRA Category I Credit™

Statement of Purpose:
The economic, social, and psychological burden of overactive bladder (OAB) is remarkable, not only on the affected individuals, but also on healthcare system and society. The effects of OAB on quality of life reflect that of other chronic diseases.

Overactive bladder affects more than 30 million Americans, and the direct cost of treating urinary incontinence in men and women of all ages was estimated at over $26 billion in 1999! This diagnosis reflects a constellation of lower urinary tract symptoms that can include frequency and urgency, urinary incontinence, and that is usually accompanied by urinary frequency and nocturia which may occur in the absence of pathologic or metabolic factors that would explain them.

The symptoms of OAB are generally under-reported by patients and under-recognized and under-treated by healthcare professionals. Improvement in the pharmacologic management of lower urinary tract disorders has led to the availability of well-tolerated, effective treatment options.

This CME activity intends to heighten awareness of the burden imposed by OAB, and to increase understanding of the characteristics of patients who are likely to be most severely affected. This review will summarize the characteristic features, prevalence and epidemiology, clinical consequences, and management of OAB. Registrants will learn of the different available therapeutic agents and potential adverse effects to assist the busy physician in making the best choice of drug for each patient.

• Become aware of the prevalence and burden of overactive bladder
• Develop knowledge of the normal physiology of bladder function, including the neurogenic pathways
• Understand the complex pathophysiology of overactive bladder and its causes
• Utilize effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities for OAB, and their potential adverse effects, as well as a comparison among the effective agents

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 overactive bladder.

Accreditation Statement:
Release Date: November 15, 2007
Valid for credit through November 15, 2008

ACCME: Antidote Education Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  Antidote designates this continuing medical education activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category I Credit™.

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.

Donald R. Ostergard, MD – Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA: Associate Medical Director of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA

Dr. Ostergard disclosed that he recieved honoraria from Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer and Watson Pharmaceuticals.

Disclaimer: The EB CME credit awarded for this activity was based on practice recommendations that were the most current with the strongest level of evidence available at the time this activity was approved. Since clinical research is ongoing, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that learners verify sources and review these and other recommendations prior to implementation into practice.