Atopic Dermatitis in the Pediatric Patient: Pathophysiology, Presentation, and an Update on Novel Therapies
A supplement to Pediatric News.
Medical Education Collaborative designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 hours of category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis.
Highlights of presentations made at a continuing medical education symposium held on October 21, 2002, in Boston, Mass.
To view the supplement, click the image above. To take the CME test, download and print out the PDF file, and follow the test instructions on page 16.
Contents
INTRODUCTION Tor A. Shwayder, MD
Director of Pediatric Dermatology
Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit
Nothing to disclose.
Clinical Presentation of Atopic Dermatitis and Its Differential Diagnosis Seth J. Orlow, MD, PhD
Professor of Dermatology, Cell Biology, and Pediatrics
Director of Pediatric Dermatology
New York University School of Medicine
Consultant to and received honoraria from: Novartis.
The Pathophysiology of Atopic Dermatitis and Standard Therapies Ronald C. Hansen, MD
Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) and Pediatrics
Director, Pediatric Dermatology
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Tucson
Consultant to, is on the advisory board of, and has received honoraria from: Novartis.
New Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis Moise L. Levy, MD
Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine
Chief, Dermatology Service
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston
Clinical Research Grants & Consultant: Fujisawa Healthcare and Novartis. He received honoraria from: Fujisawa, Galderma and Novartis.
Target Audience
This activity has been developed for pediatricians and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis.
Educational Needs
Atopic dermatitis has become an increasingly prevalent skin condition in infants and children. Pediatricians need to be able to accurately diagnose the disease and distinguish it from many other cutaneous dermatoses common to childhood. They also need to have access to the most current research into the pathophysiology and epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in order to better understand the nature of this chronically relapsing condition. Pediatricians need to keep abreast of the latest advances in atopic dermatitis therapy, which allow safe and effective management of the underlying disease and symptoms, even in infants and young children.
Learning Objectives
By reading and studying this supplement, participants should be able to:
• Identify the major diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis and describe the age-determined patterns seen in infants and children.
• Distinguish atopic dermatitis from other cutaneous diseases common to the pediatric patient who presents with erythema, papulation, and/or scale.
• Describe the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis and list immunoregulatory abnormalities commonly associated with the condition.
• Name the most common exacerbants and triggers of atopic dermatitis.
• Summarize conventional treatment options, their benefits, and their limitations.
• Describe the mechanism of action of steroid-free topical immunomodulators.
• Summarize the findings of clinical trials that have examined the efficacy and safety of the new steroid-free agents.
Accreditation
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 Medical Education Collaborative (MEC) and Pediatric News. Medical Education Collaborative, a nonprofit education organization, is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Medical Education Collaborative designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 hours of category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.
