The clinical decision process for empiric treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections has become more challenging in an era of increased prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As MRSA becomes more prevalent, it is critical that physicians be educated on issues associated with MRSA such as culturing, incision & drainage, appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic resistance. Moreover, physicians must be able to differentiate between hospital-acquired and community-acquired MRSA, as their respective treatments and management vary considerably. To address such issues, a panel comprised of recognized experts in the area of infectious disease and dermatology was convened to critically evaluate the latest evidence-based data presented and/or published concerning community-acquired MRSA and its impact on the selection of antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:
- Explain the differences between uncomplicated and complicated skin and skin structure infections.
- Describe the role of culturing in the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
- Describe effective strategies for the clinical management of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in an environment of increasing prevalence of community-acquired MRSA.
Target Audience
This CME activity is designed for primary care and family practice physicians who treat patients with uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
Learning Participation to Earn Credit
- Review course material
- Complete the post-test and activity evaluation
Estimated time to complete this activity as designed is 1.0 hour.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. It should not be inferred or assumed that they are expressing the views of Abbott, any other manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, or Millennium CME Institute, Inc. The drug selection and dosage information presented in this activity are believed to be accurate. However, participants are urged to consult the full prescribing information on any agent(s) presented in this activity for recommended dosage, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects before prescribing any medication. This is particularly important when a drug is new or infrequently prescribed.
Disclosure of Significant Relationships with Relevant Commercial Companies/Organizations
Millennium CME Institute, Inc. endorses the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Commercial Support. All faculty participating in this activity are expected to disclose any or no relevant financial interests or other relationships with (1) the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services discussed in any educational presentation, and/or (2) with any commercial supporters of an activity. Disclosure of any or no relevant financial interests or other relationships will be disclosed prior to the activity. All apparent conflicts of interest have been resolved through Millennium CME Institute, Inc.'s independent peer review process.
The faculty listed below have declared the following arrangements and/or affiliations:
- Dirk M. Elston, MD: Honorarium/Speaker Support—Abbott, Medicis; Advisory Board—Abbott, Medicis
- David C. Hooper, MD: Consultant—Cubist Pharmaceuticals, MaxThera, Microbiologix, Mpex Pharmaceuticals, Ortho McNeil, Oscient Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer; Research Grant/Consultant—Daiichi Pharmaceuticals; Honorarium—AstraZeneca; Advisory Board—ActivBiotics
- Mark S. Nestor, MD, PhD: Honorarium/Speaker Support—Abbott
- Warren S. Joseph, DPM, FIDSA: Honorarium/Speaker Support—Abbott, Merck, Pfizer
- Richard K. Scher, MD, FACP: Honorarium/Consultant—Abbott, Medicis, Glaxo-SmithKline; Speaker Support—Abbott, Medicis; Investigator—Abbott
- Thomas R. Fritsche, MD, PhD: Honorarium/Speaker Support—Abbott; Research Grant/Investigator—Abbott
- Bruce Strober, MD, PhD: Grant/Research Support—Abbott, Amgen-Wyeth, BiogenIdec, Genentech; Consultant/Speakers Bureau—Amgen-Wyeth, BiogenIdec, Genentech
Signed disclosure forms are on file at Millennium CME Institute, Inc.
Accreditation
Millennium CME Institute, Inc. is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Millennium CME Institute, Inc. designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 Category 1 Credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.
This activity was prepared in accordance with the ACCME Essentials.
This activity was reviewed for relevance, accuracy of content, balance of presentation, and time required for participation by Bruce Strober, MD, PhD.
This activity is not intended as a sole source of guidance for the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. It has been designed to assist the clinician in evaluating the latest evidence-based medicine and is not intended to replace clinical judgment or establish a protocol for all patients.
This activity contains information on commercial products that is outside of current approved labeling or information on the investigational use of products not yet approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Approved labeling should be consulted prior to treating patients with products discussed herein.
Release Date: June 15, 2006
Expiration Date: June 15, 2007
© 2006 Millennium CME Institute, Inc. All rights reserved including translation into other languages. No part of this activity may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from Millennium CME Institute, Inc.
