Liver Specialists of Texas Content Managers RSS Feed

Liver Specialists of Texas: Our Staff

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:06:34 GMT

Staff Members

Saira Khaderi, M.D.

Delores Wade: Practice Manager

Lauren Thomas, R.N. Nurse Practitioner

Aracelli Diaz: Medical Assistant

Diane Villareal: Medical Assistant

Herman Ortiz, LVN: Research Manager

Bernadette Chapa: Patient Schedule/Insurance

Gil Gomila: Billing/Insurance Supervisor

Research Specialists of Texas 2010
Back row:Left to right: Herman Ortiz, Kim Walker, Lacie Ford

Front row: Left to right: Lauren Thomas, Dr. Galati, Diane Villareal, Araceli Diaz

TIEC Open House Photo Album

Hepatitis C Studies are Now Avalable

Wed, 25 May 2011 18:12:48 GMT

Hepatitis C Research: New Therapies for Patients Previously Treated with Interferon and Ribavirin, and Those Naive to Antiviral Therapy Opportunities are available to participate in clinical research protocols through Liver Specialists of Texas and Research Specialists of Texas. Update: New Hepatitis C Drugs Approved: read more About half of all people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) or undetected HCV, with the standard treatment of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin; rates are even lower for patients with difficult-to-treat HCV genotype 1. Researchers have studied various antiviral agents that directly target various stages of the HCV lifecycle. Namely protease inhibitors have shown promising results. For patients who have been previously treated with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin and have not responded to treatment or have relapsed while on this treatment you may be...

Update: New HCV Drugs Approved-Boceprevir and Telaprevir

Wed, 25 May 2011 18:11:39 GMT

Over the past week, two new drugs have been FDA approved.

Saira Khaderi, M.D., MPH

Tue, 17 May 2011 18:10:57 GMT

Dr. Saira Khaderi has joined Liver Specialists of Texas. Dr. Joseph Galati is pleased to announce that Dr. Khaderi has joined Liver Specialists of Texas, increasing patient access to specialized liver care, from one of America's largest liver practices. Saira Khaderi, M.D. was born in Indiana but moved to Houston at a young age. She attended the University of Houston and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1999 with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. In 2001 Saira completed her Masters in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. She attended medical school from 2001-2005 at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. In 2008, Dr. Khaderi completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. It was there...

Liver Failure

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:42:47 GMT

Liver failure or fulminant hepatic failure is a condition where a person with no preexisting liver disease develops severe liver dysfunction over a matter of days or weeks. Fulminant liver failure is associated with a high mortality rate and is a clear indication for liver transplantation.

The cause of liver failure is quite varied but includes medications, certain infections, trauma, alcohol, disruptions in proper flow of blood to the liver, and unfortunately, there are causes of liver failure that never had a clear identifiable cause.

Patients with liver failure rapidly develop abnormal liver chemistries associated with signs of liver insufficiency associated with the development of ascites [fluid in the abdomen], fatigue, abdominal pain, and most importantly, the development of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a confusion state that is associated with severe liver dysfunction.

Patients with suspected liver failure need to be transferred immediately to a liver center specializing in transplantation where the best therapies can be offered.

Fatty Liver

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:24:20 GMT

Some individuals can develop fatty liver. Most people who do not abuse alcohol and have fatty liver are obese. The term that has been accepted is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fatty liver is called steatosis, and fatty liver with liver inflammation is called or steatohepatitis. Steatosis and steatohepatitis can be caused by alcohol and other drugs and can also sometimes occur in patients with diabetes mellitus. The factors that determine who will develop fatty liver are not known. Some mildly obese and occasional non-obese patients will develop fatty liver while some who are severely obese will not. There is a direct relationship between the metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. Patients with fatty liver or steatohepatitis usually present to a physician with unexplained elevations in the serum aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activities. Serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) activities can also be elevated. The patient is usually 10% or more above...

Hepatitis C and Interferon Side Effect Management

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:19:36 GMT

This section of the web site will be dedicated to answering questions regarding specific topics commonly encountered by patients in our practice. The goal is that this information will supplement the information you have received in the office during a visit, as well as serve as a stable resource of information you can review on a regular basis. When you have non-emergent questions regarding your care, we hope that the majority of questions can be answered on these pages and avoid unnecessary calls to the office. Of course, any serious matter needs to be addressed with the office as needed. Hepatitis C: By far, most questions we are asked are related to hepatitis C. These questions relate to the natural history of hepatitis C (what's going to happen to me ?), the required work-up needed to determine the stage of your infection (what's my genotype and do I need a liver biopsy ?), what form of therapy will I receive, and lastly, what can I expect from the therapy and...

Colonoscopy

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:16:06 GMT

Indication Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that enables a physician to examine the inner lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube, approximately as thick as your finger, into your anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and colon. Colonoscopy is indicated for a large number of problems that commonly include, but are not limited to chronic abdominal pain, colon caner screening, diarrhea, weight loss, colitis, blood in the stool, a prior abnormal barium enema, constipation, a personal history of colonic polyps, or a family history of colon cancer. Preparation Prior to performing colonoscopy, the colon needs thorough cleansing so that there can be unobstructed view of the entire colon. Depending of the bowel preparation selected for you, you will need to be placed on clear liquids for one to two days prior to the procedure. This will increase the effectiveness of the bowel preparation. Similar to other procedures we...

Our Location

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:11:22 GMT

6624 Fannin, Suite 1990
Houston, Texas 77030
Tel: 713-794-0700

For a map to our office, please click here. (Opens Mapquest map in new window)

Directions to the O'Quinn Medical Tower at St. Luke's:

Address:
6624 Fannin Street
Suite 1990
Houston, Tx 77030
713-794-0700
Fax: 713-794-0610

From The North:
I-45 South To Highway 59 South. On Highway 59 South, Exit Fannin Street. Take Fannin Street South To The St. Luke's Medical Tower Facility (Mirrored Twin Tower Facility). Park In Tower Parking Lot (Entry From Fannin).

From The East Or West:
I-10 To Studewood/Studemont. Studemonte (Turns Into Montrose) South To Main Street.Main Street South To The St. Luke's Medical Tower Facility. The St. Luke's Medical Tower Sits Between Main And Fannin Streets. Park In Tower Parking Lot (Entry From Fannin).

From The South
I-45 North To Loop 610 West. Loop 610 West To Fannin Street. Fannin Street North To The St. Luke's Medical Tower Facility. Park In Tower Parking Lot (Entry From Fannin).

We are located on the 19th floor.

For your convenience, St. Luke's Medical Tower offers both valet and self-parking.

Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:09:31 GMT

Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that arises from hepatocytes, the major cell type of the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma traditionally has been relatively rare in the United States, though with the rise in the number of cases of hepatitis C, the rate of new cases of liver cancer is rising. Worldwide, however, it is either the number one or number two cause of cancer death. It is especially prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa. About 80% of people with hepatocellular carcinomas have cirrhosis. Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus also increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Aflatoxins, which are produced by a mold that is a contaminant of nuts (most commonly peanuts), grains, and beans, have also been implicated as a major risk factor for causing hepatocellular carcinoma. Although virtually non-existent in the United States, aflatoxins, are common in other parts of the world and often contaminate food. Most...

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:07:36 GMT

Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. It is estimated that in the United States as many as 10 % of men and 3 % of women may suffer from persistent problems related to the use of alcohol. The Fourth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMIV) published by the American Psychiatric Association divides alcohol use disorders into alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. Alcohol dependence is indicated by evidence of tolerance and/or symptoms of withdrawal such as delirium tremens (DTs) or alcohol withdrawal seizures (rum fits) upon cessation of drinking. Alcohol abuse is characterized by recurrent performance problems at school or on the job that result either from the after effects of drinking alcohol or from intoxication on the job or at school. In addition, patients with alcohol abuse disorders may use alcohol in physically adverse circumstances (e.g. while driving) and may miss work or school or neglect...

Liver Biopsies

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:06:49 GMT

What is a liver biopsy? Liver biopsy is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain a small amount of liver tissue, which can be examined under a microscope to help identify the cause or state of liver disease. What are the different ways liver biopsy can be performed? The most common way Dr. Galati performs a liver sample is obtained by inserting a needle into the liver for a fraction of a second, making use of a special needle. This is usually performed as an outpatient and the patient is sent home after 4-6 hours of observation if there are no problems. Patients are sedated and relaxed with a combination of medications, including Demerol and Versed, creating a very relaxed state. Dr. Galati determines the best site, depth and angle of the needle puncture by physical examination and the use of ultrasound. The skin and area under the skin is anesthetized, and a needle is passed quickly into and out of the liver. The majority of the individuals have no pain afterwards, while a...

Thirty Two Frequently Asked Questions on Hepatitis C

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 03:01:03 GMT

Below is a list of commonly asked question regarding Hepatitis C 1. What is hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. Once exposed, 85% of these individuals become chronically infected, with a 15% chance of developing cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver, over a 25 year time frame. 2. What blood tests are available to check for hepatitis C? There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if you have been infected with HCV. You may need to be tested with one or two of the tests listed below to confirm the diagnosis: a) Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV) EIA (enzyme immunoassay) This test is usually done first. If positive, it should be confirmed RIBA (recombinant immunoblot assay) A supplemental test used to confirm a positive EIA test Anti-HCV does not tell whether the...

**Home Page - Medial Professionals

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:43:42 GMT

Referring a Patient to Liver Specialists of Texas This section will give physicians the resources that they will need to refer new patients to help streamline the process. More Info Hepatitis C and Liver Disease Practice Guidelines Key practice guidelines related to the management of patients with acute and chronic liver disease. Please feel free to use these to help promote quality medical care. More Info Participating in Hepatitis C Research Protocols This section will give physicians the resources that they will need to refer new patients to help streamline the process. More Info

Liver Specialists of Texas: What is Clinical Research

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:37:37 GMT

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medicines work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat a disease. People who take part in liver clinical trials have an opportunity to contribute to knowledge of, and progress against, all facets of liver disease. Participants also receive up-to-date care from experts. Every clinical trial has a protocol, or action plan, for conducting the trial. The plan describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary. Each study has its own rules about who can participate. Studies need volunteers with a certain type of liver disease, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or liver cancer. Some studies need healthy people. Others want just men or just women. People who volunteer for a clinical trial will have the opportunity to have the potential risks,...

Dr. Joseph Galati

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:14:11 GMT

Dr. Joseph S. Galati is a native of Long Island, New York. He received his undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and attended St. George's University School of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Galati was an Intern and Resident in Internal Medicine at State University of New York Health Science Center-Brooklyn (formerly Downstate Medical Center)/Kings County Hospital Center, one of the premier teaching hospitals in the country. He remained an additional year in the department to assume responsibilities as the Chief Medical Resident in the Department of Medicine under the direction of Dr. Donald E. Wilson, currently the Dean at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Wanting to pursue further training and expertise in Liver Disease/Transplant Medicine, Dr. Galati left New York City for Omaha, Nebraska. He performed his fellowship training in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Transplant Medicine at University of Nebraska Medical Center. University of...

Access Your Medical Records

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:26:23 GMT

Online access for your medical records is coming soon!

Podcasts and iTunes Instructions

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:56:31 GMT

Our website, texasliver.com, will continue to add numerous podcasts every week, covering a wide range of topics related to liver and digestive health. The best way to listed to the audio files and podcasts is through iTunes, a free program dictributed through Apple. You can find the Texas Liver Podcast in the iTunes store, or you can follow these directions to subscribe to it manually.

Download the latest version of iTunes. Click here to download iTunes.
Once iTunes is downloaded on your computer, under the "advanced" tool bar, select "subscribe to podcast".
In the open URL box, copy and past this URL into the blank box: http://www.texasliver.com/en/rss/articles/podcasts
Once you place this URL into iTunes, all of the currently available podcasts, and all future podcasts will automatically be loaded into iTunes.

**Home Page - Knowledge Center Content

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:57:02 GMT

Hepatitis C and Liver Disease Information Find information and answers to the 32 most commonly asked questions regarding chronic Hepatitis C, therapies used, and proper health management if you are diagnosed. More Info Hepatitis C and Interferon Side Effect Management Use this section to answer questions on specific topics that are commonly encountered by our patients. Start here for information on how to treat yourself in non emergency situations. More Info Hepatitis C and Liver Disease Information for Friends and Family Friends and family are almost as important as the treatment. Learn how to assist patients in need as they travel along the path to recovery. More Info ...

Hepatitis C and Liver Disease Information for Friends and Family

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:24:16 GMT

Note This page is designed for individuals who may have a relative or friend with some for of liver or digestive disease. Additional information on specific diseases and disease management can be located on the page For Patients. In most situations, I have noticed over the years that friends and family members are not so much interested on the disease, but what they can do to assist this individual in need. Below I have listed general guidelines how you can be of assistance. Support Simple, unbiased support is many times greatest gift you can provide someone with. Listen to their complaints, and act as a sounding board. Don't be judgmental. Provide them with honest advice when they ask for it. If appropriate, make yourself available to drive them to the doctor's office or hospital, shopping, or a run to the pharmacy. Be Part of Their 24-Hours Care Plan Patients that are being evaluated for liver transplantation are required to have a 24-hour care plan. Our liver...