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PeerView
Hot Topics in the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Fungal
Infections: A Focus on Candidemia and Aspergillosis
CME
1
Practical Guidance for Contemporary
Challenges in the Diagnosis and
Management of Invasive Candidiasis
and Candidemia
Part 1 of a 2-part series
Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, FACP, FIDSA
Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, FACP, FIDSA
University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center
Houston, Texas

View other programs in the Hot Topics in the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Fungal Infections series

For information on all activities in this series, please go to www.peerviewpress.com/Fungal

2
Practical Guidance for Contemporary Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Aspergillosis
Educational Objectives
• Discuss practical strategies to overcome current challenges in the diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of invasive fungal infections, with an emphasis on candidemia
• Apply evidence-based guidelines for the management of invasive fungal infections to clinical practice
• Analyze and employ clinical trial data related to the use of current and novel therapies for the management of invasive fungal infections, focusing on candidemia

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Practical Guidance for Contemporary Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Candidiasis and Candidemia

As there have been no major changes in mortality from Candida in nearly 30 years, this remains a major clinical and research priority. Unfortunately, early diagnosis of invasive candidiasis can be challenging, and criteria for starting empirical antifungal therapy are poorly defined. Moreover, the mainstay of diagnosis, gathering histopathologic samples, is invasive and often not viable, given the compromised condition of the patient. Therefore, uncertainty and controversy remain regarding the best method for establishing the diagnosis of most Candida infections. In addition, physicians often disagree on the most appropriate treatment strategies, with some treating suspected cases empirically and others treating only when the diagnosis is certain. Though guidelines offer standard protocols for the use of antifungal agents, clinicians may find themselves challenged to understand the advantages and limitations of new agents and their various medication classes.

To provide practical and contemporary guidance on these “hot topics,” Dr. Luis Ostrosky addresses concerns from your peers regarding the most appropriate diagnostic and management strategies for invasive candidiasis and candidemia; indeed, the specific subjects for discussion were generated from practicing infectious disease specialists who were surveyed prior to development of this educational activity regarding their current practices and areas of interest.

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Challenge Question

Which of the following clinical prediction rules includes “use of mechanical ventilation” as a risk factor for invasive candidiasis in ICU patients?

a.

b.

c.

d.

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These materials do not necessarily reflect the views of PeerView Press or any of its supporters.

This activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

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Practical Guidance for Contemporary Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Candidiasis and Candidemia

Program Description & Educational Objectives

In this activity, an expert in infectious diseases discusses current and emerging diagnostic and management strategies for invasive candidiasis and candidemia.

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

  • Discuss practical strategies to overcome current challenges in the diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of invasive fungal infections, with an emphasis on candidemia
  • Apply evidence-based guidelines for the management of invasive fungal infections to clinical practice
  • Analyze and employ clinical trial data related to the use of current and novel therapies for the management of invasive fungal infections, focusing on candidemia

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of infectious disease specialists, hospitalists, hospital pharmacists, nurses, and other clinicians involved in the management of patients with invasive candidiasis and candidemia.

Requirements for Successful Completion

In order to receive credit, participants must view the activity and complete the post-test and evaluation form. There are no pre-requisites and there is no fee to participate in this activity or to receive CME credit. Statements of Credit are awarded upon successful completion of the post-test and evaluation form.

Media: Internet
Release and Expiration Dates: August 23, 2012 - September 30, 2013
Time to Complete: 30 minutes

Faculty & Disclosure / Conflict of Interest Policy

In accordance with ACCME requirements, Penn State College of Medicine has a conflict of interest policy that requires faculty to disclose relevant financial relationships related to the content of their presentations/materials. Any potential conflicts are resolved so that presentations are evidence-based and scientifically balanced.

Course Director and Interviewee

Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, FACP, FIDSA
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Division of Infectious Diseases
University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Medical Director for Epidemiology
Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center
Houston, Texas

Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, MD, FACP, FIDSA, has a financial interest/relationship or affiliation in the form of:

Consultant for Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; Merck & Co., Inc.; and Pfizer Inc.

Grant/Research Support from Associates of Cape Cod, Inc.; Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; Merck & Co., Inc.; and Pfizer Inc.

Speakers Bureau participant with Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; Merck & Co., Inc.; and Pfizer Inc. as a non-branded speaker.

Medical Director

Kathryn B. Charalambous, PhD
PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education

Kathryn B. Charalambous, PhD, currently has no financial interests/relationships or affiliations in relation to this activity.

Other PVI staff who may potentially review content for this activity have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Penn State College of Medicine staff and faculty involved in the development and review of this activity have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Sponsorship, Credit & Support

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 Penn State College of Medicine and PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education. Penn State College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Penn State College of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Information about CME credit for this activity is available by contacting Penn State at 717-531-6483 or ContinuingEd@hmc.psu.edu. Reference course # G5146-12-T.

This CME activity is jointly sponsored by Penn State College of Medicine and PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education.

This activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use

The faculty of this educational activity may include discussions of products or devices that are not currently labeled for use by the FDA. Faculty members have been advised to disclose to the audience any reference to an unlabeled or investigational use.

No endorsement of unapproved products or uses is made or implied by coverage of these products or uses in our reports. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions in reports.

Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications and warnings.


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