Understanding Hepatitis B/C Treatment Options in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Hospitals offering hepatitis B/C testing? 1. Is it better to visit a hospital that participates in the hepatitis B/C pilot program if I have hepatitis? 2. What is the difference between hospitals that participate in the hepatitis B/C pilot program and those that do not? 3. Ar...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! I'm not clear on what is meant by B/C hepatitis trial hospitals. The hepatitis mentioned in the letter refers to which type of hepatitis? However, you can address all your questions to the hepatobiliary department at the hospital, where a specialist can conduct a deta...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B/C Treatment Options in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Understanding Your Father's Diagnosis: Questions for Better Communication with Doctors
Please consult Dr. Hsu? My father was hospitalized last Friday, and the doctor informed us about the results of the urinalysis, blood tests, and ultrasound. My father's condition is classified as "infiltrative," with the presence of ascites and jaundice. It seems t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Due to the lack of your father's medical history for reference, we are unable to assess his condition online. However, if you would like to seek a second opinion, you can request a summary of your father's medical records from the original physician. This summary...[Read More] Understanding Your Father's Diagnosis: Questions for Better Communication with Doctors
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Concerns
Hepatitis B concerns? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been taking Hepa-Merz for 5 years. My e-antigen is negative, and I have developed drug resistance. Currently, my liver function tests show GPT at 297 and GOT at 167, which have not returned to normal for over a year. I ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Since you have been taking Hepatoprotective for over five years, it indicates that you have been regularly monitored by a hepatologist. However, without your medical history for reference, it is difficult to assess whether you need to start taking Hepatitis B antiviral med...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Treatment Options and Risks
My father developed fulminant hepatitis after taking anti-tuberculosis medication! Hello Dr. Hsu, my father does not have hepatitis B, but the doctor is now recommending treatment with Zeffix (at his own expense) because his ALT was previously over 1000. Is it necessary for him t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. Your first question is unclear. If there is no hepatitis B, why is there a need to take Gan An Neng? Is there some information missing? 2. Plasma exchange therapy is only a temporary measure to replace the liver's function of clearing bilirubin and other harmful su...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Treatment Options and Risks
Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
The disappearance of the E antigen and persistently elevated liver enzymes? Hello Dr. Hsu: I am a patient with hepatitis B, without hepatitis C, and I do not drink alcohol. I have been receiving liver protection medication from the hospital for the past five to six years, but my ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello lbkth888! 1. Your condition can be considered for treatment with long-acting interferon, which has shown good results. However, as you mentioned, your e-antigen is negative, indicating that you are a patient with a mutated strain of hepatitis B. In this situation, the e-a...[Read More] Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Insights on GOT, GPT, and γ-GT Levels
Drinking alcohol Hello, doctor: After my health check-up, I found out that my GOT is 30, GPT is 76, γ-GT is 80, AFP is 7.6, and CEA is 0.62. I do not have hepatitis B, but I have fatty liver. I would like to ask the doctor why my γ-GT is abnormal even though I do not drink alcoho...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The enzyme r-GT is present not only in the liver but also in other organs such as the kidneys and spleen. In individuals who consume alcohol regularly, it serves as a reference indicator. Even if you are not currently drinking, a history of regular alcohol consumption can ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Insights on GOT, GPT, and γ-GT Levels
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Normal Ranges Explained
Elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase Hello, doctor. I recently had a blood test and found that my ALT level is elevated, around 46. I previously went to the hospital and was diagnosed with fatty liver. Could you please tell me if my elevated ALT is due to fatty liver or if ther...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Fatty liver can potentially cause elevated GPT levels, but there may also be other factors such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, recent use of specific medications, or alcohol consumption. If none of these factors are present, then it is likely due to fatty liver. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Normal Ranges Explained
Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Yellow Tongue and Fatigue?
excuse me? I have been waking up every morning with a yellowish tongue and often feel very fatigued. Should I consider seeing a hepatobiliary specialist for this condition?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! A yellowish tongue is indeed uncommon, and it would be advisable to have it evaluated by a hepatologist. I'm not sure if you have undergone any liver disease tests, such as for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C?[Read More] Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Yellow Tongue and Fatigue?
Choosing the Best Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Interferon vs. New Oral Antivirals
Regarding interferon therapy? Hello: I have been undergoing treatment for hepatitis B for over three years. Initially, I was treated with interferon, and there was a period when my AST and ALT levels dropped to normal (although the e-antigen remained positive, and the viral load ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Recently, your GPT index has increased. Besides Danazol, long-acting interferons are also one of the treatment options. However, they are currently not covered by health insurance and must be paid for out-of-pocket. The efficacy of both treatments is quite similar, but for...[Read More] Choosing the Best Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Interferon vs. New Oral Antivirals
Managing Hepatitis Induced by Anti-Tuberculosis Medications: A Guide
My father developed fulminant hepatitis after taking anti-tuberculosis medication! Hello, Dr. Hsu! My father was hospitalized due to lymphatic tuberculosis and has been taking anti-tuberculosis medications for over a month, specifically P.Z.A, RIFAMPIN, and EMB, which have led to...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your father is currently hospitalized for observation and treatment. We can only closely monitor his liver for any chance of self-repair. As for the anti-tuberculosis medication, it should be temporarily withheld to prevent further damage to liver function. For now, we wil...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis Induced by Anti-Tuberculosis Medications: A Guide
Understanding Abnormal Normal Cells in Liver Health: Key Questions Answered
What are "normal cells that look different"? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have hepatitis C with fatty liver, and my liver enzyme levels are between 150 and 200. My AFP is about 4. An ultrasound showed a one-centimeter shadow that is round with clear borders. After an MRI, the docto...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Everything mentioned in your letter is possible, but without your medical history for reference and without seeing your imaging reports, it is difficult to assess and diagnose based on the information provided in your letter. Additionally, the ultrasound report does not co...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Normal Cells in Liver Health: Key Questions Answered
Nighttime Hepatitis B Testing: Frequency, Costs, and Essential Exams
Night examination Does your hospital offer various tests for hepatitis B at night, such as fetal protein and abdominal ultrasound? How often should I return for follow-up appointments? What other tests are needed for hepatitis B? What are the costs for these tests? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Our foundation does not have a medical department, so we do not offer outpatient services. You can go to a medical facility that provides evening consultations for testing; all the items you mentioned will be available for examination. As for how long until a follow-up app...[Read More] Nighttime Hepatitis B Testing: Frequency, Costs, and Essential Exams
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What You Need to Know
What are the antibodies for hepatitis B? If a blood test shows that there are no antibodies for hepatitis B, it does not necessarily mean that you are a carrier of the virus. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. In terms of ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The absence of antibodies indicates a lack of immunity to hepatitis B, which means there is a possibility of contracting hepatitis B in the future, but currently, there is no hepatitis B infection. To confirm whether there is hepatitis B, the surface antigen test should be...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What You Need to Know
Can Public Hospitals Administer Interferon for Chronic Hepatitis B and C?
I have been suffering from hepatitis B for over ten years. Is it possible to receive interferon treatment at a public hospital? I have been suffering from hepatitis B type C for over ten years. Can I receive interferon treatment at local public hospitals?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Actually, many hospitals can provide it, but the important thing is whether your condition requires it. Just because the illness has been prolonged doesn't necessarily mean you need to receive it.[Read More] Can Public Hospitals Administer Interferon for Chronic Hepatitis B and C?
Is Elevated AFP a Sign of Liver Cancer or Other Issues?
AFP ( Hello: My father has hepatitis C. Four months ago, he took herbal medicine, and recently blood tests showed a GPT of 88 and an AFP of 9.72. Previously, although his GPT levels were consistently abnormal, his AFP levels were within the normal range. Additionally, an ultrasou...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! May I ask what the reference value for AFP is at your father's testing facility? Is a level of 9.75 considered abnormal? Besides being a reference marker for liver cancer, AFP can also be elevated after liver inflammation. If that's the case, it indicates good li...[Read More] Is Elevated AFP a Sign of Liver Cancer or Other Issues?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Should I Continue or Switch Medications?
Hepatitis B I started taking Danazol in October 2002, and after six months, my liver function tests (AST and ALT) returned to normal. The doctor then discontinued the medication, but after two months, the levels rose again. The doctor prescribed Danazol again, and after another s...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Are you being followed up in the hepatobiliary department? Currently, the use of Entecavir is generally recommended for at least 12 to 18 months. The method of use you mentioned is uncommon. When you stopped the medication, did your e-antigen disappear? For detailed inform...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Should I Continue or Switch Medications?
Do I Need Surgery for a 5cm Liver Hemangioma?
Hemangioma Hello Dr. Hsu: I would like to ask about a 5 cm hemangioma located in the middle of the liver near the bile ducts. All liver functions are normal. Is surgical removal necessary in this case? If it is not removed, will it grow larger or affect the liver? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Liver hemangiomas are benign tumors that typically do not require treatment or medication, as they do not affect liver function, do not grow larger, and do not transform into malignant tissue. It is recommended to have follow-up once a year, and surgery is not necessary.[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for a 5cm Liver Hemangioma?
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels and Their Impact on Liver Health
Liver issues? Hello Doctor: I previously went to the hospital for a health check-up, and the results showed AST=26 and ALT=69 (which is twice the normal value). Later, when I applied for life insurance, the premium was three times higher than that of a normal person. I would like...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The GOT and GPT indicators reflect the current inflammatory state of your liver, so diagnosing you with hepatitis is correct. However, determining the factors that caused your liver inflammation requires further investigation. It is recommended that you promptly visit a he...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels and Their Impact on Liver Health
High Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
During pregnancy, elevated levels of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may occur? Hello Doctor, my wife is 18 weeks pregnant with twins. During a company health check at 15 weeks, her AFP level was found to be elevated at 112 (normal range is 0-13.4), while her SGOT and SGPT levels were no...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! It is normal for pregnancy to cause an increase in fetal protein levels, as this is a typical phenomenon during pregnancy. Moreover, the physician has tested GOT and GPT, and both are within the normal range, so there is no need to be overly concerned. The doctor recommend...[Read More] High Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
How to Lower Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Tips
What should I do if my hepatitis levels are elevated? Hello, during a blood test at school, the results showed GOT and GPT levels of 32 and 36 U/L, respectively, indicating elevated liver enzymes. What can I do to bring these liver enzyme levels back to the normal range? Addition...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Although your GOT levels are elevated, this alone cannot diagnose the underlying cause of the increase. Therefore, you need to follow up with a hepatologist to investigate whether there is a viral hepatitis infection, such as hepatitis B or C, or if obesity is contributing...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Tips