|
|
|
ANSWER TO QUESTION OF THE WEEK: (6/26/05)
Both autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) occur more commonly in women than in men. In fact, all autoimmune disorders disproportionately affect women. Although the reason for this is unknown, some researchers have speculated that a gene controlling the immune system may be located on the X chromosome (women have two X chromosomes and men have only one).
Females are more susceptible than males are to most forms of drug-induced liver disease—especially drugs that can cause chronic hepatitis, such as methyldopa (Aldomet), which is a drug used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Finally, both the female gender and pregnancy are risk factors for the development of gallstones. Thus, gallbladder disease is more common in women compared with men. Furthermore, women with certain liver diseases, such as PBC, have an increased risk for the development of gallstones.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Palmer is an internationally renowned hepatologist who has been practicing medicine since 1985. Prior to 2012, she maintained perhaps the largest medical practice devoted to liver disease in the United States. Dr. Palmer is Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Palmer graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. and was trained in hepatology (as well as medical school) at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Dr. Palmer is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and in Internal Medicine.
She has authored numerous scientific publications in the field of hepatology in such peer-reviewed journals as Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Seminars of Liver Disease, Transplantation and Archives of Internal Medicine.
She is frequently called upon by the media for her opinion on various topics related to liver disease. Dr. Palmer has appeared many times on television as a liver disease expert and has been quoted in such publications as TIME magazine, Cosmopolitan magazine, Prevention magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Newsday. She also has appeared in numerous videos and CD-Roms aimed at educating doctors and the public about hepatitis C and other liver diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis. Dr. Palmer lectures to the medical and general public on liver disease-related topics on a regular basis.
Dr. Palmer has performed numerous clinical trials on various experimental medications for the treatment of hepatitis.
Dr. Palmer is currently available for lecturing, investor and hedge-fund consultations, consultations to industry, and media interviews and appearances-- including television. For such matters, she can be contacted through hepatitismedia@gmail.com.
Click on my picture to buy my book!
Return to liverdisease.com home page