Choosing the Right Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Considerations
How to choose medication for hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been positive for hepatitis B e-antigen for a long time. My most recent blood test showed GPT 276 and GOT 95. The doctor recommended active treatment. I would like to ask whether I sh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, both Gleevec (Imatinib) and Bosulif (Bosutinib) are available and covered by health insurance. Among the current treatment options, Bosulif has the lowest likelihood of developing resistance and is recommended as the first choice. There are no clinical research data regard...[Read More] Choosing the Right Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Considerations
Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Hepatitis B medications Hello, Dr. Hsu. I have stomach cancer and my weight is on the lower side. My GPT is over 500. What kind of treatment should I undergo? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your GPT is over 500, which is considered high. I’m not sure if you have recently undergone an e-antigen test. Do you have the report for the E antibody? Have you also had a test for the hepatitis B virus load, specifically HBV DNA? Additionally, have you been tested for h...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Post-Hepatitis C Treatment: Addressing Common Symptoms and Concerns
Questions after Hepatitis C treatment? Hello, Dr. Hsu. My mother completed her six-month interferon treatment around August. Currently, her liver function tests are normal, but she is experiencing some symptoms: 1. Her lips frequently show signs of bleeding and cracking. 2. She h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the issues you mentioned, here are my responses: 1. If your lips are prone to cracking and bleeding, first consider whether they are too dry. It may be helpful to use lip balm for hydration, and also ensure adequate fluid intake. Additionally, please have a den...[Read More] Post-Hepatitis C Treatment: Addressing Common Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B: Confirming Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Hepatitis B issues Hello, Dr. Hsu! I would like to ask if a positive result for the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a blood test confirms the presence of Hepatitis B. Is there a need for additional tests to confirm this?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, yes, it is not necessary, but we still need to continue monitoring liver function tests, specifically AST, ALT, and alpha-fetoprotein.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Confirming Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Understanding Liver Shadows: What They Mean for Your Health
Liver issues? If there has been no prior infection with hepatitis B or C, and a recent ultrasound examination revealed a shadow in the liver, with additional blood tests currently being conducted, what would be your preliminary assessment, Dr. Hsieh? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, there are many possible causes for the shadow, which may include hemangiomas, cysts, or uneven fat distribution. Since I have not seen the ultrasound myself, I cannot assess the nature of the shadow online, and we will need to wait for the blood test results.[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: What They Mean for Your Health
Managing Hepatitis C: Treatment Decisions and Lifestyle Adjustments
Regarding Hepatitis C? Hello Doctor: 1. My mother started interferon treatment for hepatitis C in February of this year, and she has completed six months of the treatment. We initially planned to continue with the second half of the treatment, but due to financial reasons, we h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, A-Jie! 1. The current standard treatment for hepatitis C covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance is six months. However, for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, the medical community previously believed that a one-year treatment (i.e., 48 weeks) was necessar...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C: Treatment Decisions and Lifestyle Adjustments
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Hepatitis B vaccine issues? Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B vaccination. Recently, after a company health check, it was found that the results showed no hepatitis B surface antibodies (I also went to the Veterans General Hospital for a check-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. This situation is quite common and can occur in two scenarios. The first is that most people do not get tested for antibody production after receiving vaccinations in childhood, so it is possible that despite being vaccinated, due to individual variations in physiolog...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Understanding CMV Virus Impact on Liver Health: Insights and Prevention
CMV virus attacks the liver? Dear Dr. Hsu, Hello! I would like to ask you about the impact of the CMV virus on the liver. In 2006, my daughter, during her final year at the University of Otago Dental School in New Zealand, suddenly developed a fever. She took Panadol to reduce t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Mr. Huang! CMV stands for cytomegalovirus, which is a typical herpesvirus. It is widely prevalent in the population and usually presents as a latent infection. The virus can remain dormant in the body for life and typically does not pose a problem in individuals with good ...[Read More] Understanding CMV Virus Impact on Liver Health: Insights and Prevention
Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Liver disease Hepatitis is commonly referred to as "big goat" and "small goat," which are colloquial terms for different types of hepatitis. Generally, individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as those who practice safe hygiene a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Zeng Yongjun. In fact, in medicine, there is no such terminology as "big three yang" or "small three yang." Are you referring to hepatitis B? If so, hepatitis B can still be transmitted to others. If you are a hepatitis B carrier and your blood tests po...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Choosing Between Daanan and Belac: Expert Advice for Chronic Hepatitis
Should I take Belviq or Qsymia? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with chronic hepatitis and seizures. My doctor has recommended that I purchase Tenofovir (干安能) out of pocket, and I have been taking the medication for three months. Before starting the medication: GOT 485, GPT 1079, AF...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Homa! The probability of developing drug resistance to entecavir is indeed higher, with an average resistance rate of about 15% after one year of use. If entecavir resistance occurs, it is necessary to use tenofovir in combination with entecavir, or to use 1.0 mg of lamivu...[Read More] Choosing Between Daanan and Belac: Expert Advice for Chronic Hepatitis
Is There a Cure for Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Treatment Options
Is there medication for liver fibrosis? Dear Doctor, After reading your work, I have gained a better understanding of liver diseases. However, I still have some concerns after my recent consultations, and I would like to ask a few questions: Family medical history: I am a carri...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Homa! Based on the information in your letter, your medical history is less than six months, but given your current condition of acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, it is indeed necessary to initiate medication to suppress inflammation. However, since it has been l...[Read More] Is There a Cure for Liver Fibrosis? Understanding Treatment Options
Eligibility for Health Insurance Coverage of Daanan for Chronic Hepatitis B
How to apply for Gan An Neng health insurance benefits? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if a patient with chronic hepatitis B, whose liver function tests show an ALT value greater than five times the normal limit and has a positive e-antigen, but has not been under medical care...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the National Health Insurance Administration requires a six-month medical history. Therefore, you currently need to pay out of pocket. However, you can consult with your physician to see if you can register for National Health Insurance after meeting the six-month requirem...[Read More] Eligibility for Health Insurance Coverage of Daanan for Chronic Hepatitis B
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options
Gallstones and gallbladder disease? Hello doctor, during my outpatient visit yesterday, the doctor informed me that I have gallstones and that I need to continue monitoring and checking. Could you please explain what gallstones are? Are they serious? Do I need surgery? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, first it is important to clarify what is meant by "gallbladder stones." There is no such term as "gallbladder stones." Therefore, it is best to clearly distinguish whether it is gallstones or gallbladder polyps.[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment Options
When Should I Stop Taking Danazol for My Liver Condition?
Should I stop taking my medication for dry eye? Hello Doctor: My physician recommended that I take Entecavir. I have been taking expired Entecavir for 15 days, and my GPT levels have decreased from 1120 to 230 within two weeks. Currently, my e-antigen is positive, and my antibody...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, is the method of taking Gan An Neng mentioned in the letter recommended by a physician? I haven't heard of this treatment approach before. Did the doctor suggest stopping the medication after 30 days? So far, the use of Gan An Neng should be at least one year, with th...[Read More] When Should I Stop Taking Danazol for My Liver Condition?
Managing Hepatitis C and Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Patients
Hepatitis C + Hyperthyroidism Hello, earlier this year during my health check-up, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C and hyperthyroidism. I am currently undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism, which has been ongoing for about three months. For hepatitis C, my family medicine doct...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Cheng! 1. There is indeed a condition of hyperthyroidism, and if interferon treatment is administered, it may worsen the condition. It is recommended to achieve ideal control before proceeding with treatment. 2. As for the extent to which control is needed, this should be d...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C and Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Patients
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Am I considered a severe carrier of hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: First, I would like to share my family's medical history: My mother was once your patient and passed away at 55 due to severe jaundice, ascites, and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. My grandmother also died from ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. To qualify for health insurance coverage, you need to have an e-antigen report. I'm not sure if you have been tested for this, as well as for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D. Since your GPT level is above 200, if the e-antigen is positive and Hepatitis C and D infectio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Bowel Issues: What Does Greenish Discharge Mean?
Bowel issues I noticed that my underwear has been damp and has a somewhat grass green color that appears oily. After a meeting this morning, a colleague noticed that my skirt was dirty and thought I had started my menstrual period. Dr. Hsu, could you please advise me on what migh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to determine if a stool test is necessary. Based solely on the description in the letter, it is difficult to make a detailed assessment.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: What Does Greenish Discharge Mean?
Understanding the Timing and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination
The schedule for administering the three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine is as follows: the first dose is given at birth, the second dose is administered one month after the first dose, and the third dose Hello, doctor. During a blood donation, the report showed that I tested po...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the description in your letter is quite vague. I suggest you ask the physician at the hospital for clarification on what is meant by not having hepatitis B. Specifically, inquire whether it refers to being free of hepatitis B virus carriers or if you have surface antibodie...[Read More] Understanding the Timing and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination
Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
What is the liver virus index? 1. What is the liver virus index? Does it refer to the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT)? The doctor mentioned that this test is only available at National Taiwan University Hospital and New Taipei City Hospital. 2. What happens if a person with no...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. The hepatitis B virus load test is referred to as HBV DNA. GOT and GPT are indicators of liver inflammation and are different tests from the viral load. 2. The HBV DNA test is indeed not available at every testing facility. 3. If there is no liver cirrhosis and the HBV ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Virus Index: Key Questions and Health Implications
Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies
What happens if RGT is too high? Recently, I participated in a family health check organized by the health bureau, and my health report indicated an RGT index as high as 172, which led to the insurance company denying coverage. What is the significance of the RGT index? Last year...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! γ-GT, or gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme predominantly found in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, serum, blood cells, and bile ducts. It is particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption, making it useful for screening for alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or abnor...[Read More] Understanding High RGT Levels: Implications and Management Strategies