Anesthesiology’s journal-based CME program is open to all readers. Members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists participate at a preferred rate, but you need not be an ASA member or a journal subscriber to take part in this CME activity.
Please complete the following steps:
Read the article by Hindler et al. entitled “Improved postoperative outcomes associated with preoperative statin therapy” on page 1260 and the accompanying editorial by Kersten and Fleisher entitled “Statins: The next advance in cardioprotection?” on page 1079 of this issue.
Review the questions and other required information for CME program completion (published in both the print and online journal).
When ready, go to the CME Web site: http://www.asahq.org/journal-cme. Submit your answers, form of payment, and other required information by December 31 of the year following the year of publication.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists is approved by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education programs for physicians.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Purpose: The focus of the journal-based CME program, and the articles chosen for the program, is to educate readers on current developments in the science and clinical practice of the specialty of Anesthesiology.
Target Audience: Physicians and other medical professionals whose medical specialty is the practice of anesthesia.
Learning Objectives: After reading this article, participants should have a better understanding of the pharmacology and potential risks and benefits associated with statin therapy in patients undergoing surgery.
Disclosure Information:
Authors – Katja Hindler, M.D., Andrew D. Shaw, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.A., Joshua Samuels, M.D., M.P.H., Stephanie Fulton, M.S., Charles D. Collard, M.D., and Bernhard Riedel, M.B., Ch.B., F.C.A., M.Med., F.A.H.A., Ph.D.
Grants or research support: None
Consultantships or honoraria: None
The article authored by Drs. Hindler, Shaw, Samuels, Fulton, Collard, and Riedel was supported solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.
Authors – Judy R. Kersten, M.D., F.A.C.C., and Lee A. Fleisher, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Grants or research support: None
Consultantships or honoraria: None
The article authored by Drs. Kersten and Fleisher was supported solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.
Question Writer – Peter L. Bailey, M.D. Dr. Bailey has no grants, research support, or consultant positions, nor does he receive any honoraria from outside sources, which may create conflicts of interest concerning this CME program.
Article Questions
Based on the article by Hindler et al. entitled “Improved postoperative outcomes associated with preoperative statin therapy” and its accompanying editorial by Kersten and Fleisher entitled “Statins: The next advance in cardioprotection?” in the December issue of Anesthesiology, choose the one correct answer for each question:
1. Which of the following statements concerning medical therapy with statin-type drugs in patients at risk for coronary artery disease is most likely true?
A. It prevents cardiovascular events only in individuals with elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
B. It is contraindicated in patients with unstable angina.
C. It is harmful if initiated within the first 24 h of a myocardial infarction.
D. It is indicated in patients who have had a myocardial infarction.
2. Which of the following statements concerning statin therapy is most likely true?
A. Side effects include rhabdomyolysis.
B. Niacin therapy reduces statin-induced side effects.
C. Hepatotoxicity is not associated with statin therapy.
D. Immediate cessation of statin therapy is without risk.
3. Which of the following statements concerning preoperative statin therapy and outcome after cardiac surgery is most likely true?
A. It decreases the incidence of myocardial infarction.
B. It increases the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias.
C. It decreases mortality.
D. It increases the incidence of stroke.
4. Which of the following statements concerning preoperative statin therapy and outcome after vascular surgery is most likely true?
A. It decreases the incidence of myocardial infarction.
B. It decreases the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias.
C. It increases mortality.
D. It increases the incidence of stroke.
5. Statin therapy is most likely to increase which of the following?
A. Atherosclerotic plaque instability
B. Expression of nitric oxide synthase
C. Vascular smooth muscle proliferation
D. Postoperative thrombocytosis
