It is estimated by experts that the incidence of chronic ITP in the population treated within the VHA is in equal or higher ratio to that in the public at large. For a variety of reasons, this incidence in the VHA may be expected to increase. The predicted five-year mortality rates for patients with ITP and persistently low platelet counts increase as patients age, leaving many in the VHA patient population at risk each year. Additionally, ITP can impede a variety of other diagnostic or medical treatments. While current treatment guidelines for ITP do exist, it is recognized that treatment options are not always optimal for the patient. Most current treatments for chronic ITP act by decreasing platelet destruction. None of the currently available agents work to improve platelet counts. Newly emerging treatment options may change these targets in treatment and hold hope for better long-term remissions for patients with ITP. This activity will explore ITP and its treatment options.This activity extends beyond a July 2009 CME webcast, which was planned and coordinated by the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower. The webcast, its subsequent archive, and the enduring materials contained in this supplement were developed through the assistance of an unrestricted educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline. The supplement content is based on a discussion among the faculty members and was written by a writer from the Annenberg Center. Faculty have final editorial control for the piece.
Successful completion of this activity is achieved by reading the material, reflecting on its implications in your practice, and completing the assessment component.
The estimated time to complete the activity is 1 hour.
This activity was originally released in October 2009 and is eligible for credit through September 30, 2010.
The activity has been certified for physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and nurses. To obtain CE credit, please print a copy of the supplement and assessment materials, complete the Post-Test page (page 16) and the Activity Evaluation form (page 17), and return both pages, along with the completed Pre-Test (page 1), to the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences (ACHS #4655), 39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 or fax to 760-773-4550.
