Bilirubin, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ - Page 6

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Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health

Elevated r-GT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) levels? Today, I had a medical examination where my results showed GOT at 50, GPT at 59, total bilirubin at 1.54, uric acid at 7.4, and total cholesterol at 213, with all other values normal. I am also not a carrier of hepatitis B or C. ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated r-GT and GPT levels indicate liver inflammation, with fatty liver being a common clinical cause. Fatty liver may be associated with alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or exposure to chemicals. It is recommended to address the underlying causes...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health


Understanding Gilbert's Syndrome: Risks and Lifestyle Impacts Explained

Please ask your questions, and I'll do my best to assist you? Hello Dr. Chen, I have two questions I would like to ask. I have visited a general laboratory, then a general gastroenterologist, and was referred to a major hospital. Currently, the doctor at Chang Gung Memorial...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: In fact, there are not many complications associated with Gilbert's syndrome. It is advisable to avoid overexertion, limit alcohol consumption, prevent hunger, and reduce the risk of infections to minimize the occurrence of jaundice. Changhua Hospital cares about...

[Read More] Understanding Gilbert's Syndrome: Risks and Lifestyle Impacts Explained


Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Right upper quadrant discomfort? Hello, I would like to ask about a persistent dull ache and occasional sharp pain in my right upper abdomen near the ribs. I have been a regular blood donor and do not have hepatitis B or C, but I do have fatty liver and am overweight. I had an ul...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Right upper quadrant pain can have differential diagnoses including musculoskeletal issues, pleural diseases, gastrointestinal problems, liver and biliary conditions, as well as kidney and adrenal gland disorders. Normal liver function tests generally refer to normal ...

[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions


Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease

The correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver disease? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some professional questions. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-up examinations every six months. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, HBeAg, and bilirub...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. There is no correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver. 2. Fatty liver is due to metabolic insufficiency and typically does not cause liver "inflammation." 3. Please engage in weight loss and exercise to promote metabolism and monitor hepatitis B. Ch...

[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease


Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns

Hepatitis B and Acne Issues Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000 and bilirubin levels around 9. The doctor said I am currently recovering well. During my follow-up visit two weeks ago, my liver enzyme le...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Ultrasound can be used to check for any abnormalities in the liver and gallbladder, as well as the presence of ascites. It is generally recommended to follow up every six months to a year for chronic hepatitis, and every three to six months for cirrhosis. The frequenc...

[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns


Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns

Abnormalities of transaminases? Hello, I recently had a health check-up at my company and my results showed an abnormal level of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 104. The other results were as follows: GTP: 18, SGOT: 23, direct bilirubin (D-BIL): 0.2, total bilirubin (T-BIL): ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can be found in biliary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and other tissues such as the kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. GGT, also known as the alcohol index, can be used to assess alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, if alkaline phosphat...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns


Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients

I'm sorry, but I need more Hello, I have some questions regarding cirrhosis. Currently, the physician has diagnosed it as moderate cirrhosis, with complications including ascites and elevated bilirubin levels. These symptoms are not experienced by me but by my child at home,...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The patient has cirrhosis with ascites and jaundice. If the patient is unable to communicate, it is important to monitor the amount of ascites by measuring abdominal girth, tracking weight daily, and observing urine output. General management of ascites includes fluid and sodi...

[Read More] Managing Mid-Stage Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Diet, and Care for Patients


How to Lower Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide

Elevated total bilirubin? Hello Doctor, last year my total bilirubin was 1.6, and this year it has increased to 2.1. Could you please advise me on how to lower it? Thank you.


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. When bilirubin levels rise above normal, it is essential to identify the underlying cause for appropriate treatment. It is important to determine whether the increase is primarily due to indirect (unconjugated) or direct (conjugated) bilirubin. Common differential dia...

[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide


Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases

Can hepatitis occur in the late stages of pregnancy? Hello Dr. Lin: My beloved one was 32 weeks pregnant and developed acute hepatitis, and unfortunately, she became an angel mother just 5 days after an emergency cesarean section. I need assistance (medical consultation) on the...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In the late stage of pregnancy, acute hepatitis can present with a more complex condition. I have limited experience and cannot provide specific examples. 2. Generally, in the pathophysiology of acute hepatitis, the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) rise first, follo...

[Read More] Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases


Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers

Gallbladder polyps Dr. Lin: I apologize for bothering you again. I had an abdominal ultrasound last week, which showed a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp, and I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In your response on July 14, you mentioned that the ultrasound indicated "cholesterol or ade...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, cholesterol polyps are brighter, more regular, and multiple. Your polyp is small, regular, but not very bright. Currently, only one is observed, and it does not appear malignant at this time, but it needs to be monitored. It is generally recommended to remo...

[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers


Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?

A HBV DNA level of over 15 million copies is considered very high and indicates a significant viral load. This can suggest active hepatitis B infection and may require further evaluation and management by a healthcare professional? Hello Dr. Li: I am 47 years old and have been a ...


Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, 1. In your letter, you mentioned that your HBV DNA is over 15 million (is the unit IU/ml or copies/ml?). When assessing HBV DNA, it is important to evaluate the unit of measurement. Regardless of the unit, a level of over 15 million indicates a very high viral load. Ad...

[Read More] Is a High HBV DNA Level of 15 Million Serious for My Health?


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:
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


Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?

Taking Hepatoprotective agents can lead to an increase in GPT levels and bilirubin instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my liver function tests showed abnormal results, with a GPT level as high as 377, and a bilirubin level of 0.8. Followi...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Crystal: This is your first time using Gan An Neng, and it's rare to develop resistance so soon (usually it appears after more than 9 months). Please be patient and cooperate with your physician. Additionally, a bilirubin level of 1.1 is not high; jaundice is typic...

[Read More] Why Is My Liver Function Getting Worse Despite Taking Hepatic Medications?


Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps

Hepatitis B carriers are actively infected with the virus? A 31-year-old male, originally a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzymes were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further testing at a larger hospital revealed a very ...


Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → there was no unit provided for the test result. If the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to a...

[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps


Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients

The original hepatitis B carrier currently has a very active viral infection? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, underwent a health check and found that his liver enzymes were elevated, reaching nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital confirmed that he is...


Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the testing unit attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is needed before treatment → is it recommended to undergo interferon therapy? If so, your physician may want to app...

[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients


Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients

The hepatitis B virus infection is currently very active among carriers? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzyme levels were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital re...


Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the unit of measurement attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to apply f...

[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients


High r-GTP Levels Indicate Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know

The r-GTP level for alcoholic hepatitis reached as high as 161? After fasting for eight hours, I underwent a urinalysis and blood test at a general clinic. The report shows the following abnormalities: Total cholesterol = 221 mg/dL, Triglycerides = 284 mg/dL, r-GTP (Gamma-glutamy...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Dear Mr. Tian, Your elevated levels related to alcoholic hepatitis are associated with alcohol consumption; you need to abstain from drinking, and your levels may decrease as a result. Your high blood lipids and uric acid require attention to dietary control and reduced alcohol ...

[Read More] High r-GTP Levels Indicate Alcoholic Hepatitis: What You Need to Know


Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications

Liver cancer Hello Dr. Hsu, I have some questions regarding my elderly family member (female) who has liver cancer (with tumors approximately 3 cm in size located on the right side and center of the abdomen), cirrhosis, hepatitis C, esophageal varices, thrombocytopenia (platele...


Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, the case is quite complex and requires a review of detailed medical history to make a clear assessment. Has a physician suggested electrotherapy?

[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer: Risks, Treatments, and Complications


Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels

Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels


Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns

My father had a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was as high as 1761? Hello Dr. Chen, Recently, my father underwent a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was alarmingly high at 1761. The other liver function test results are as follows: T-Bilirubin (0.9), D-Bili...


Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! An HBsAg level of 176 indicates that your father is merely a carrier of hepatitis B; this figure does not correlate with the severity of the disease. The presence of cirrhosis cannot be determined solely based on this data. According to the information provided, your fathe...

[Read More] Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns


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