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STATEMENT OF NEED Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) epitomize two disorders characterized by chronic symptoms of abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. Inflammatory bowel disease is distinguished by inflammation and/or ulcerations in the GI tract, whereas IBS arises without pathological proof. Inflammatory bowel disease is generally classified as either Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), although it can also include microscopic colitis. Inflammatory bowel disease has been subcategorized by symptom predominance, although 30% of patients can switch predominance type within one year. It is characterized by a constellation of patient-reported history and endoscopic, histopathologic, and radiologic findings, often with serologic correlates. In contrast, IBS is often referred to as a functional bowel disorder and, at present, is diagnosed according to the Rome II criteria of symptoms. Furthermore, according to these criteria, once an organic cause is discovered, a diagnosis of IBS is excluded. Potential common pathophysiologic mechanisms to both disorders include altered permeability of gut mucosa, an abnormal immune response to normal luminal flora, gut dysmotility, and/or high levels of stress. Many illnesses share some of the same symptoms as IBS and some of these illnesses are serious and would require aggressive evaluation and treatment. Crohn’s disease must be differentiated from ulcerative colitis as well. Being familiar with the differential diagnoses surrounding IBS and IBD and the currently available diagnostic tools ensures the clinician a timely diagnosis and efficacious therapy. TARGET AUDIENCE This activity has been designed for physicians, researchers, and academics interested in gastrointestinal disease management EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this CME activity, participants should be able to:
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT 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 the FCG Institute for Continuing Education and IntraMed Scientific Solutions. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT The FCG Institute for Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.25 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity. The American Medical Association has
determined that physicians not licensed in the US who participate in this
CME activity are eligible for AMA PRA category 1 credit. HOW TO GET CREDIT To receive CME credit, you must view all the online presentations, register on this site, and complete an evaluation and post-test. After you complete these steps, you may print your certificate online. That’s it—no need to wait for your certificate to be mailed to you! RELEASE DATE AND TIME TO COMPLETE The release date of this activity is July 30, 2004, and it will expire on July 30, 2005. This activity can be completed in approximately 2.25 hours. Participants are encouraged to review the online presentations in 2 or 3 sittings before completing the post-test. There is no fee to complete this CME activity. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT It is the policy of The FCG Institute for Continuing Education to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, and scientific rigor and integrity in all its CME activities. Faculty must disclose to the participants any significant relationships with commercial companies whose products or devices may be mentioned in faculty presentations, or with the commercial supporter of this activity. Disclosure information is for participant information. It is not assumed that these relationships will have a negative impact on the presentations. Faculty disclosures can be found on the faculty information page. UNLABELED OR INVESTIGATIONAL USE STATEMENT Faculty of this CME activity may include discussions of products or devices that are not currently labeled for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The faculty have been informed of their responsibility to disclose to the audience if they will be discussing off-label or investigational uses (any use not approved by the FDA) of products and devices. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education, the faculty, and Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. do not endorse the use of any product outside the FDA-labeled indications. Health care professionals should not utilize the procedures, products, or diagnostic techniques discussed during this activity without the evaluation of their patient for contraindications or dangers of use.
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