Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Should I Stop My Medication?
What should I do? Hello, I have been taking Tenofovir for over a year, and my HBeAg has turned negative. I haven't checked my HBV DNA levels. After taking Tenofovir for nearly another six months, should I stop the medication abruptly or taper it off, for example, taking one ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! After taking Entecavir, your e-antigen has successfully turned negative. If you continue to use it for another six months and your liver function is currently normal, you can stop the medication immediately without the need for a gradual taper. The decision to discontinue ...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Should I Stop My Medication?
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Virus Load vs. Liver Enzymes
When treating hepatitis C, should the focus be on the virus or on GOT and GPT levels? Hello Doctor, my father has been diagnosed with hepatitis C and has completed a full course of interferon treatment. While his GOT and GPT levels have decreased, the viral load has not reduced. ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The letter mentioned that your father's GOT and GPT levels have decreased. Have they returned to normal now? Has the viral load not decreased? What were the previous levels, and what are they currently? The treatment for hepatitis C primarily considers GOT and GPT lev...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Virus Load vs. Liver Enzymes
Exploring the Effectiveness of Hepatitis Health Supplements Developed by ITRI
Health supplements for liver protection developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute? Hello, recently there has been an advertisement on Weilai TV for "liver health supplements," featuring several PhD experts explaining that the product was developed using ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The "liver health food" developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute is also classified as a health supplement, but its effectiveness in reducing hepatitis remains questionable. If your hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis C virus, then the aforementioned s...[Read More] Exploring the Effectiveness of Hepatitis Health Supplements Developed by ITRI
Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Jaundice Hello... My mother was hospitalized two weeks ago due to jaundice, with a bilirubin level as high as 11.5, which has been continuously rising. Could you please explain why this is happening and what treatment options are available? The doctor mentioned that the cause is ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I understand your concern regarding your mother's condition as mentioned in the letter. It is indeed worrisome, especially when the cause remains unclear. Is it possible that your mother has recently been taking any specific medications, including traditional Chinese ...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions in Gastroenterology
Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department About three months ago, I started experiencing frequent abdominal pain. Initially, it occurred before and after meals, with pain arising when I was hungry or after overeating. Eventually, it progressed to nighttime pain, particularly ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms seem to coincide closely with meal times. I'm not sure if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues. The information provided in the letter indicates that these discomforting symptoms appear to be worsening and have been persistent for a long time. H...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions in Gastroenterology
When Is a Liver Transplant Necessary? Key Considerations and Requirements
Liver transplant? Hello, Dr. Hsu. In what situations is a liver transplant necessary? Additionally, aside from whole or partial donations, do the donor and recipient need to match in blood type, gender, and be of similar age for the donation to be viable?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The timing for a liver transplant depends on the severity of the disease. The criteria for liver transplantation in cases of liver cancer differ from those for cirrhosis. Since the letter did not describe the disease, it is difficult to assess the situation. Both whole organ dona...[Read More] When Is a Liver Transplant Necessary? Key Considerations and Requirements
What to Do If Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B Isn't Working?
If interferon treatment has been ongoing for six months without any effect, what should be done? Hello, doctor! I am a carrier of Hepatitis B. A year ago, during an examination at a municipal hospital, my liver enzyme level (GPT) was found to be as high as 300, so I started resti...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, troubled bride. 1. If medication treatment is truly necessary, you may consider using Entecavir or Tenofovir; however, the latter is currently not covered by health insurance and is more expensive than Entecavir. 2. There is currently insufficient research data to guar...[Read More] What to Do If Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B Isn't Working?
Understanding Liver Surface Roughness: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Regarding roughness of the liver surface? Hello, doctor! At the beginning of June, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor informed me that my liver surface showed signs of roughness. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I had an abdominal ultrasound six months ago, during wh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Is the report provided by the same physician? If different physicians are involved, each may have their subjective opinions, leading to variations in interpretation. Therefore, it would be best to consult your attending physician. The roughness of the liver may be due to p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Surface Roughness: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Understanding C Hepatitis: Treatment Options and New Drug Insights
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C and Sjögren's syndrome. He has been taking immunosuppressive and liver-protective medications regularly, and he also undergoes regular blood tests and ultrasounds. However, for over a year, his ALT (GPT) and AST (GOP) level...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The medication mentioned in the letter is not a new drug; it is an old drug, but it is not used for the treatment of hepatitis C. The efficacy of this medication is unclear. Currently, the treatment for hepatitis C involves long-acting interferon combined with oral antivir...[Read More] Understanding C Hepatitis: Treatment Options and New Drug Insights
Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
What should I do? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have been aware of my hepatitis B carrier status for 17 years. Throughout this time, my liver function tests (GOT, GPT), alpha-fetoprotein levels, and ultrasound results have all been normal. However, my e-antigen has consistently tested positiv...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Ms. Lu! 1. Your liver enzyme levels were within an acceptable range until April of this year, but starting in June, your GPT levels have been consistently elevated, indicating an acute episode. Have you undergone detailed examinations to determine the cause of the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
Is It the Right Time to Start Taking Liver Medications?
There are concerns about taking Liver An? Hello: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular follow-up examinations every six months for the past eight years. Over these eight years, my GOT and GPT levels have fluctuated. For the past three years, ultrasound ex...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. According to the letter, you have moderate fatty liver, which could also be a potential cause of your hepatitis. 2. Additionally, your GPT levels have consistently been elevated, and since your E antigen is positive, the use of Tenofovir could be considered. However, yo...[Read More] Is It the Right Time to Start Taking Liver Medications?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B e-antigen negative, e-antibody positive, but liver function is abnormal? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Two years ago, my HBeAg was negative and my HBeAb was positive, but recently my liver function has been abnormal (over 400), and my HBV DNA is 77,754,500. I ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! If you are a mutant strain and want to receive health insurance coverage, a liver biopsy is required. If the health insurance coverage is for 12 to 18 months without a liver biopsy, it is actually a well-established procedure that is performed daily. Moreover, a careful as...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Chronic liver dysfunction Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing liver examinations every year. For the past 2 to 3 years, my liver function tests have shown slightly elevated levels, ranging from 40 to 65. Both alpha-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Although you have inflammation, the degree is relatively mild. Generally, the cause of this inflammation is likely related to your fatty liver, as inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus typically presents with higher levels. Therefore, you might want to start with we...[Read More] Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Their Implications
Hepatitis B issues Hello doctor, I have hepatitis B. A few days ago, I underwent testing, and the result for the hepatitis B surface antigen was 284.71 (+). Is this considered a high value? Should I start medication? Additionally, my current job involves baking bread, which is qu...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The value of your surface antigen is not related to your condition; this report simply indicates that you have been infected with hepatitis B. Whether you need medication for your condition depends on whether your liver is inflamed, which means we need to check if your blo...[Read More] Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Their Implications
Understanding Elevated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. A few days ago, I had blood tests for GOT and GPT, both of which were normal, but one value was quite high. The surface antigen index is 284.2. Doctor, is this number very high? Should I take medication? If ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The value of the surface antigen is not related to the severity of the disease; this report simply informs you that you have hepatitis B. Whether or not to take medication should be based on the levels of GOT and GPT. You may want to consult your attending physician for mo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B: Expert Insights and Next Steps for Patients
Questions about Hepatitis B - Thank you to the doctor for their tireless responses? Thank you, Dr. Hsu, for your tireless responses. I believe you may have misinterpreted my previous message due to your busy schedule. The data I provided regarding positive surface antibodies and ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Let me summarize your information: During your university entrance health check-up three years ago, you mentioned that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and surface antibody tests were positive. Such results cannot confirm whether you are a carrier of hepatitis B or if ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Expert Insights and Next Steps for Patients
Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Indicate Infectiousness? Key Insights
Is there still a risk of transmission after the production of antibodies against hepatitis B? Thank you, Dr. Hsu, for your professional response. However, I still have some doubts. About a year and a half ago, I had my liver function tested, and at that time, my liver function wa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! If the information is correct, your previous letter mentioned that both your hepatitis B surface antigen and surface antibody are positive. This means that you cannot be ruled out as a hepatitis B carrier, indicating that you may still be a hepatitis B carrier. Normal live...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Indicate Infectiousness? Key Insights
Can Hepatitis B Be Cured? Understanding Your Test Results
Can hepatitis B be cured? Dear Dr. Hsu, I recently went to the hospital for a follow-up on hepatitis B. During my university entrance physical examination, I had some tests done, and here are the results: SGOT was 24, SGPT was 23, both HBsAg and Anti-HBs were positive. I am shar...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! It is quite common for long-term carriers of hepatitis B, like yourself, to have such results. Although antibodies are produced, their titers may not be sufficient to effectively eliminate the virus. Therefore, you should continue to have regular follow-ups.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Cured? Understanding Your Test Results
Essential Questions About Hepatitis B Testing and Follow-Up Care
Hepatitis B testing issues? Hello, Doctor. Previously, when I was 18 years old and entered university, I had a health check-up at school, and the results indicated that I have Hepatitis B. I didn't pay much attention to the specific indices at that time. Now that I am 21 yea...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. You can go to any hospital with a hepatobiliary department, regardless of its size. 2. Just inform the physician that you are a carrier of hepatitis B, and they will arrange for you to undergo testing. 3. You only need to visit the hepatobiliary department; there is no ...[Read More] Essential Questions About Hepatitis B Testing and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Interferon Treatment Challenges in Hepatology
The treatment process with interferons? Hello: After failing treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs (for a year and a half), my e-antigen remains positive. After two years of follow-up treatment, I finally qualified for long-acting interferon therapy covered by health insurance. Af...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Due to significant reactions, it is indeed important to proceed with caution. Temporarily pausing treatment to monitor changes in the condition is crucial. If the interruption is not prolonged, the effectiveness will not be affected. However, if the physician carefully ass...[Read More] Understanding Interferon Treatment Challenges in Hepatology