Understanding Abnormal Urine Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal bilirubin in urine? Hello, Dr. Lin. My health check report shows abnormal bilirubin levels. Liver function tests: ALK-P: 45, S.G.O.T. (AST): 14, S.G.P.T. (ALT): 11, HBsAg (EIA): (-), Anti-HBs (EIA): (+), HCV-Antibody: (-), Chest X-ray: no abnormalities. I would like to k...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. The menstrual period should not affect the urine bilirubin test. 2. The presence of bilirubin in the urine may indicate elevated conjugated bilirubin levels in the blood, which can have various causes that require differential diagnosis, including medications and liver-bilia...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Hyperbilirubinemia Hello doctor, over the past year, I have been preparing for graduate school and have experienced long-term insomnia, which has caused my eyes to appear slightly greenish-yellow. I underwent tests and found out that I have elevated bilirubin levels, which is cau...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The physician will determine the cause of jaundice through the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and various imaging studies. This will lead to further treatment. Jaundice is an abnormal condition in whi...[Read More] How to Address Elevated Bilirubin Levels for Clearer Eyes
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Cirrhosis Dear Vice President Tsai, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, thank you. 1. What are the causes of liver nodules? Does the presence of liver nodules indicate the presence of liver cirrhosis? 2. Can liver cirrhosis be detected through ultrasound? 3. If the ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Cirrhosis can be detected through ultrasound, which may appear coarse; however, the liver does not necessarily exhibit signs of fibrosis. The definition of cirrhosis involves hepatocyte necrosis, with the remaining liver cells regenerating to form nodular structures surrounded by...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights for Patients
Pathology report that is difficult to understand? Dr. Chen, I apologize for bothering you again. Today, I went to the hospital to obtain a copy of my pathology report. This was an important examination that led to the decision to undergo interferon therapy. However, due to the ru...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Your liver biopsy report indicates that your hepatocytes are inflamed (chronic active hepatitis) and there is stage 1 liver fibrosis. The liver biopsy and viral load tests are different; I'm not sure if you have had your viral load tested (HBV DNA or HCV RNA) (we don&...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights for Patients
Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Questions after completing a six-month interferon treatment? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently completed 25 weeks of interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I have been undergoing regular follow-ups with blood tests and abdom...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang! Dear Doctor: I just completed a 25-week interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, so I have regular follow-ups every six months for blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Before the end of 2004, my liver func...[Read More] Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Remedies
Elevated bilirubin levels? I recently underwent some tests, and my direct bilirubin level is 0.56, with a normal range of 0-0.5, and my total bilirubin level is 1.5, with a normal range of 0.2-1.4, both of which are elevated. My complexion and the whites of my eyes appear yellowi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ce: A bilirubin level of 2-3 mg/dL or higher is needed to observe jaundice, so there is no need to worry too much. Slightly elevated levels are often due to genetic factors and do not pose a health risk. You may consider having it rechecked in 1-3 months. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Remedies
Managing Jaundice and Bile Duct Stones: Treatment Options for Seniors
Liver Gallbladder Jaundice Hello Director Chen, I would like to ask about my father's condition. He has liver and bile duct stones, with a bilirubin level of 7, blood sugar ranging from 110 to 170, and blood pressure at 80/160. He has been hospitalized for one month. He is 7...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ah-Hui: Bile duct stones accompanied by cholangitis and jaundice are challenging to treat. It often requires repeated stone extraction (which can be performed via endoscopy or drainage tube) and drainage (either through a percutaneous drainage tube or endoscopic inter...[Read More] Managing Jaundice and Bile Duct Stones: Treatment Options for Seniors
Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Blood in the stool? I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for over two months. My recent health check report indicated that everything is normal except for elevated total bilirubin levels (CEA is normal). However, this afternoon, I noticed blood in my stool; the blood ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Blood in the stool, when accompanied by no anal pain, is mostly due to hemorrhoidal bleeding. If blood in the stool causes anal pain, it is likely due to anal fissures. Occasional blood in the stool should raise concerns about hemorrhoids first, followed by tumors (polyps or canc...[Read More] Blood in Stool: Understanding Gastrointestinal Health Concerns
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated total bilirubin levels? I often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. Recently, after a company health check, I found out that my total bilirubin level is elevated at 2.5 mg/dL. Does this indicate a problem with my gallbladder or liver? Additional...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiao Wang: Elevated total bilirubin levels may be due to congenital liver issues (generally not harmful to health). Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for confirmation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment Options, and Surgical Considerations
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. Can you explain why this is happening and what treatment options are available? The doctor mentioned that the cause is unclear, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, A-Ya: To assess your issue, it is necessary to see the patient and review all relevant information. Please trust your physician and discuss any related concerns with them. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Treatment Options, and Surgical Considerations
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:
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 Liver Cirrhosis: Normal Bilirubin Levels Explained
Cirrhosis Hello, Director Chen; my father has cirrhosis, and his recent bilirubin level was 1.9. Is this normal? What is the typical normal range?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, SHE: The bilirubin level is slightly elevated, which often reflects the severity of liver cirrhosis. However, it is necessary to consider other indices for a comprehensive assessment and to manage treatment accordingly. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidi...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Normal Bilirubin Levels Explained
Understanding Fluctuating Bilirubin Levels in Liver Failure Patients
Bilirubin levels fluctuate? Hello Doctor, my father has been hospitalized for over a month due to liver failure. During this time, his liver enzymes have decreased from over 600 to just over 200. However, his bilirubin levels have been fluctuating, at one point rising to 25. Desp...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Vicky: I cannot provide you with a definitive answer, but it is advisable to avoid the use of traditional Chinese medicine or herbal remedies, and to patiently support the recovery of liver function (which depends on the underlying cause). If necessary, consider a liver...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Bilirubin Levels in Liver Failure Patients
How to Improve Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide for Patients
My total bilirubin is elevated; how can I improve this? Today, my blood test results came back regarding liver function: G.O.T (AST) 29 U/L, G.P.T (ALT) 20 U/L, Direct Bilirubin 0.50 mg/dL, Total Bilirubin 1.50 mg/dL. I went for the test because my palms appeared yellowish. What ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Your liver function tests, including GOT and GPT, are normal, but your total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are slightly elevated. There are many potential causes for increased bilirubin, including: 1. Acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, which can lea...[Read More] How to Improve Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated levels of urobilinogen? Dear Doctor: A few years ago, I had a habit of drinking alcohol, but I stopped since I have a child. On November 4th, I underwent a health check-up, and my GOT and GPT levels were 18 and 17 U/L, respectively. However, my urine urobilinogen level w...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, Yan: 1) If the urobilinogen level (which refers to the bilirubin value in urine tests) rises, it is important to confirm whether the bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P) levels in the blood tests are also elevated. This helps in the differential diagnosis of conditi...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urobilinogen Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Isolated Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Only r-GT is elevated, all other values are normal, and there is no history of alcohol abuse? Hello Dr. Lee: I recently underwent a health check-up, and the results are as follows: r-GT 85, SGOT 27, SGPT 28, alkaline phosphatase 77, direct bilirubin 0.2, total bilirubin 1.0, chol...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello Josin: Elevated r-GT and TG levels are commonly caused by alcohol consumption, but there may be other reasons such as bile duct obstruction or cholestasis. It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination and to have long-term follow-up. Wishing you a speedy...[Read More] Understanding Isolated Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps
How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?
Elevated bilirubin levels? I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in October, and while my levels are still normal, my bilirubin is elevated, which has prevented me from obtaining insurance. Is there a way to lower bilirubin levels? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated jaundice indicates an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which can be caused by hemolysis, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, among others. Treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause. 2. Hepatitis ...[Read More] How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
What is bilirubin? Total bilirubin is significantly elevated, many times above normal! I am unsure what the issue might be. Thank you...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
Hello, Jie Jie: There are many reasons for elevated total bilirubin levels, including issues related to the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. Some cases may also involve congenital metabolic disorders of bilirubin. It is recommended to visit a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology cl...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and 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:
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
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:
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