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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.
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Dr. Palmer is an internationally renowned hepatologist who has been practicing medicine since 1985. She maintains perhaps the largest private medical practice devoted to liver disease in the United States. 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. 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. She also serves as a liver consultant to five major pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Palmer is a board member of the New York chapter of the American Liver Foundation, and she sits on the nutrition subcommittee of the national chapter of the American Liver Foundation, the medical advisory board of the Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA) and the medical advisory board of the Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Organization (PBCers). She has also been a member of the practice guidelines committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease(AASLD) and currently sits on the enduring educational materials committee of AASLD.
Dr. Palmer has performed trials on various experimental medication for the treatment of hepatitis. She is currently conducting research on new therapies for liver disease, specifically in the area of hepatitis C.
Her practice is located on Long Island, New York. (Main office located at: 1097 Old Country Road, Suite 104, Plainview, N.Y. 11803.
Satellite office located at 500 Portion Rd. Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 11779)
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If you are interested in arranging an appointment with Melissa Palmer, M.D., please call (516) 939-2626.
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