Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Liver Function and Treatment Options
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C, but he has been regularly visiting the clinic every three months for blood tests and ultrasounds. From last year to this year, his liver enzyme levels have remained between 80 and 90, but they do not exceed 100. The doctor info...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. The liver enzymes are in the range of 80 to 90, indicating that the liver is in a state of inflammation. However, whether immediate pharmacological treatment is necessary requires long-term observation. Some physicians suggest that early treatment can reduce the risk of...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Liver Function and Treatment Options
Managing Hepatitis C in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has been diagnosed with hepatitis C, but he is 70 years old and is unwilling to undergo a liver biopsy or receive interferon treatment, so he started receiving injections. On September 5, 1994, his lab results showed GOT: 145 and GPT: 254, and ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! First, I need to clarify what the "Japanese injection" mentioned in the letter refers to in terms of medication. Additionally, based on the test values provided in the letter, it seems that the so-called "Japanese injection" has not demonstrated its exp...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Managing Moderate to Severe Liver Cirrhosis: A Caregiver's Guide
Moderate to severe liver cirrhosis, please help..? My mother went to the emergency room at the beginning of last month due to persistent diarrhea. She has been diagnosed with early-stage cirrhosis two to three years ago, and recently she seems to have frequent bloating and ascite...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. Based on the information in the letter, your mother has developed ascites, indicating that she has moderate to severe cirrhosis. In this condition, the current approach can only focus on symptom management and close monitoring. 2. The purpose of a liver biopsy is to ass...[Read More] Managing Moderate to Severe Liver Cirrhosis: A Caregiver's Guide
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Health Tips for Young Adults
Liver enzyme issues? I have a classmate who is 19 years old. Two months ago, he underwent a school entrance health check, and the report just came out showing elevated levels: GOT 61 and GPT 105. However, he does not have hepatitis B. What could be the possible issues, and how sh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Although the tests showed no hepatitis B, I'm not sure if hepatitis C was checked. Have you had an ultrasound done by a hepatobiliary specialist? It would be good to check for fatty liver as well. Have you taken any medications recently or consumed alcohol? These fact...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Health Tips for Young Adults
Understanding Your Digestive Issues: Gallbladder, Liver, and Stomach Concerns
I don't know what disease it is? Hello Doctor, I have been troubled by a persistent issue for a long time, and I kindly ask for your guidance. About two years ago, I started experiencing stomach pain and have been receiving treatment at a clinic, with symptoms fluctuating b...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is too relaxed, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. There are many factors that can trigger this symptom, including high stress, obesity, and certain medications. A gastroscopy can ...[Read More] Understanding Your Digestive Issues: Gallbladder, Liver, and Stomach Concerns
Understanding Jaundice: Risks, Recovery, and Antibody Production
Jaundice issues Hello doctor, a year and a half ago my liver function was abnormal with levels reaching 864. Now my liver function is normal, but I have not produced antibodies, and recently my jaundice has risen to 1.6. Does this indicate a potential relapse? Is the absence of a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your liver enzyme levels were abnormal but have now returned to normal, yet no antibodies have appeared. Which specific antibodies are you referring to? Are you a patient with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C? Is a bilirubin level of 1.6 considered abnormal? Observing your long-...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Risks, Recovery, and Antibody Production
Preventing Hepatitis C Transmission in Daily Life: Essential Tips
Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Hsu: I would like to ask if hepatitis C can be transmitted in daily life, for example, when family members eat together at the same table or share utensils. If a family member has hepatitis C, how can one prevent transmission? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The transmission route of hepatitis C is through blood-to-wound contact, so general everyday contact or sharing meals does not result in the transmission of hepatitis C. Please rest assured.[Read More] Preventing Hepatitis C Transmission in Daily Life: Essential Tips
Understanding the Risks of Jaundice and Liver Transplant Complications
Can jaundice be life-threatening? Hello Doctor: My husband is a liver transplant patient, but after the transplant, his liver enzymes increased, and the doctors couldn't find the problem. They suspected a biliary issue, so they performed ERCP, but after three attempts, his c...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your husband's situation is quite complex, and without his medical history for reference, it is difficult to conduct a thorough online assessment and interpretation. Regarding whether your husband needs a second liver transplant, it is advisable to consult a liver tra...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Jaundice and Liver Transplant Complications
Understanding Jaundice After Biliary Dilation: What to Expect
Biliary dilation causing jaundice? Dear Dr. Hsu, My husband recently underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary stricture. After the first procedure, he experienced biliary obstruction due to an improper size of the stent, which led to symptom...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your husband is experiencing bile duct narrowing, which can lead to bile retention and inflammation. It is necessary to use drainage to alleviate this condition, and the letter mentioned that ERCP is the treatment method. Although a larger drainage tube was successfully pl...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice After Biliary Dilation: What to Expect
Understanding the Relationship Between Gallbladder Removal and Liver Health
The relationship between the gallbladder and the liver? I recently had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically due to a polyp larger than 1 cm. I am concerned whether this will increase the burden on my liver, as I am a carrier of hepatitis B. What precautions should I take in th...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The function of the gallbladder in the human body is primarily to store bile, while the production and secretion of bile occur in the liver. Therefore, after the removal of your gallbladder, it will not affect liver function. The bile produced by the liver will flow direct...[Read More] Understanding the Relationship Between Gallbladder Removal and Liver Health
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Liver enzyme issues? Hello Doctor: My liver enzyme levels over the past two years have shown GOT around 60-70 and GPT around 150-200. I previously had an ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that I have fatty liver, but there are no signs of hepatitis A, B, or C. I would like to ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. It is possible that fatty liver could cause liver enzymes to reach 200. I'm not sure if you are overweight, if you do not exercise, or if you have a habit of drinking alcohol, or if you have other chronic diseases. Any of these factors could contribute to elevated ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes, Concerns, and Care Tips
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: What You Need to Know About Liver Health
Elevated AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Hello doctor, my husband recently had a health check-up at your hospital, and the report showed that his AFP level is elevated at 14.5, while all other tests are normal. The abdominal ultrasound was also normal, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (C...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your husband is being regularly monitored at National Taiwan University Hospital. You inquired about the fetal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is 14.5. The reference range for AFP at National Taiwan University Hospital is considered normal if it is below 20, so your h...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: What You Need to Know About Liver Health
Understanding Postpartum Dizziness and Fatigue: Causes and Concerns
Why do I often feel dizzy? I often feel dizzy and fatigued since giving birth, as if I haven't had enough sleep. Is this related to childbirth or is there an issue with a specific part of my body? Additionally, I sometimes experience a slow heart rate and shortness of breath...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Have you checked for anemia? Severe anemia can also put a strain on the heart and cause shortness of breath. You can consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist or a family medicine physician regarding this issue.[Read More] Understanding Postpartum Dizziness and Fatigue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Risks, Treatment, and Surgery Options
Hemangioma My aunt recently underwent ultrasound and CT scans, which revealed three hemangiomas in her liver, one of which is 5 centimeters in size and located between two major arteries. I would like to know if there is a possibility that the hemangiomas could grow larger. The d...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Generally speaking, hemangiomas do not enlarge rapidly in a short period of time; any growth typically occurs over several years and may only be slight. Since various examinations have confirmed the presence of a hemangioma, surgical removal is generally not recommended, e...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Risks, Treatment, and Surgery Options
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Right abdominal discomfort? Hello doctor, sometimes I feel a dull pain in my right abdomen, but I'm not quite sure about the exact location when I press it with my fingers. This symptom seems to occur during the second half of my menstrual cycle, so I'm unsure whether i...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! You can see both a hepatobiliary specialist and an obstetrician-gynecologist for a thorough evaluation by specialized physicians.[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Is Peginterferon Alpha-2a More Effective Than Lamivudine for Hepatitis B?
Is interferon better than Hepatitis B immunoglobulin? Hello, I am a 25-year-old patient with hepatitis B who contracted the virus through vertical transmission from my mother and is e-antigen positive. I have been taking lamivudine for nearly a year, but I still have not achieved...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The National Health Insurance does not cover long-acting interferons, only short-acting interferons are covered. According to the data, long-acting interferons are more effective than short-acting ones. Based on experience, some patients may only show seroconversion of the...[Read More] Is Peginterferon Alpha-2a More Effective Than Lamivudine for Hepatitis B?
How to Generate Surface Antibodies (Anti-HBs) for Hepatitis B?
How to generate surface antibodies (Anti-HBs) I have hepatitis B, but there are three antibodies related to it, and I already have two antibodies (Anti-HBc and Anti-HBe). I inquired about this on April 8, 1994, and have received a response. My questions are: 1. How is surface ant...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The likelihood of a hepatitis B carrier developing surface antibodies is very low, and the probability of being a lifelong carrier is high. Currently, there are no medications available to promote the production of surface antibodies. The hepatitis B vaccine currently in u...[Read More] How to Generate Surface Antibodies (Anti-HBs) for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Ascites and Jaundice in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Ascites with jaundice Please help my mother. She is seventy-five years old and has been diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm. She underwent surgery at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, being admitted on February 23 and having the operation on March 1. She h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Based on the information in the letter, your mother's condition still requires close monitoring. The current presence of jaundice and ascites raises the question of whether these issues have been determined to be due to other factors or related to hepatitis C. If it i...[Read More] Understanding Ascites and Jaundice in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Understanding Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and the Role of Gana'an
Liver Cirrhosis & Gana'an (Ganoderma Lucidum) 1. Is there no medication available for treating cirrhosis once it is diagnosed? 2. For someone with cirrhosis and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels, is it appropriate to use Gana? Can it help delay liver inflammation? The d...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The letter mentions cirrhosis of the liver. I'm not sure what stage it is currently. If it is only mild or in the early stages, and liver function is good, there may be no need for medication. Are the GOT and GPT levels elevated due to the cirrhosis? The use of interf...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Treatment Options and the Role of Gana'an
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B Hello doctor, I had hepatitis B when I was younger, and I would like to get tested for it now. Which department should I go to in the hospital? Is it possible to have fully recovered from it?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! You can go to the hepatobiliary department or the gastroenterology department at the hospital.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Treatment Options