Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders include a variety of chronic conditions that involve diseases of the nervous, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems as well as skin and connective tissues. These include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Grave's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Autoimmune disorders affect more than 500 million people in developed countries, and the total prevalence is growing.
Treatment of these diseases poses a substantial economic burden.

Recent research findings and the emergence of new biologic therapies pose many clinical challenges. What role should biologic therapies play in management of autoimmune and inflammatory disease? Do biologics change the management strategy picture for patients with refractory disease? Should biologics ever be used for initial therapy?

Target Audience

This series is directed to rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, dermatologists, pulmonologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals interested in or using biologic therapeutics in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Objectives

• Review and describe immunoregulatory pathways including the roles of T-cell and B-cell activation and effector function, cytokine biology, and immunologic central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• Differentiate the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and toxicity of varying classes of biologic therapeutics (TNF, T-cell, B-cell, and directed agents).
• Apply state-of-the-art management strategies to patients with varied autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• Recognize and diagnose refractory states of autoimmunity and inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease states.
• Evaluate the risks and benefits of using biologic therapies as options in patients with refractory autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases.