FACULTY:

Isabel Porto, PharmD
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Clinical Pharmacist for Pediatrics
Children's Hospital University of Illinois
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
Chicago, Illinois

FACULTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS:

Dr. Porto has no actual or potential conflicts of interest in relation to this activity.

Postgraduate Healthcare Education, LLC does not view the existence of relationships as an implication of bias or that the value of the material is decreased. The content of the activity was planned to be balanced, objective, and scientifically rigorous. Occasionally, authors may express opinions that represent their own viewpoint. Conclusions drawn by participants should be derived from objective analysis of scientific data.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT:

Pharmacists
Postgraduate Healthcare Education, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
UAN: 0430-0000-12-005-H01-P
Credits: 2.0 hours (0.20 ceu)
Type of Activity: Knowledge

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This accredited activity is targeted to pharmacists. Estimated time to complete this activity is 120 minutes.

Exam processing and other inquiries and booklet orders to:
CE Customer Service: (800) 825-4696 or cecustomerservice@jobson.com

DISCLAIMER:

Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patients' conditions and possible contraindications or dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer's product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.

GOAL:

To review common etiologies of bacterial meningitis in different age groups and discuss appropriate selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy, available preventive vaccines, and chemoprophylaxis.

OBJECTIVES:

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

1. Identify common signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis.
2. List the most common organisms responsible for bacterial meningitis according to age group and specific risk factors.
3. Select the appropriate initial empiric antibiotic regimen targeting the most likely organism.
4. Discuss the role of dexamethasone as adjunctive treatment for bacterial meningitis.
5. Describe preventive measures used to protect vulnerable populations against common bacterial meningitis pathogens.

*Also applies to pharmacy technicians