Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Liver fibrosis Dr. Tsai, I’m troubled again. You mentioned that I should check the severity of fibrosis to see if I need to pay out of pocket for a Fibroscan, but my doctor said it’s not necessary. Should I still get tested for Hepatitis B virus DNA? Currently, my Hepatitis B sur...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) Fibroscan can quantify fibrosis data, but its clinical application is relatively uncommon. Generally, ultrasound compares the texture of the liver with that of the spleen, allowing physicians to make subjective judgments, which is more commonly used in clinical practice...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. The doctor asked me to test for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, which was negative at 0.00, and Hepatitis C antibody, which was negative at 0.07. Does this mean I do not have Hepatitis B or...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B core antibody is used to determine whether there has been a past infection with hepatitis B that did not progress to chronic carrier status. Hepatitis B surface antibody is used to assess current immunity against the hepatitis B virus. (2) Liver fibrosis ne...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Can I Donate Blood After Testing Negative for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen?
Can a person with a negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) donate blood? Hello Director: I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I started interferon treatment three years ago for a duration of one year, and I have been off medication for two years now. In July of last year (2015), ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: According to medical principles, you are eligible to donate blood; however, if the blood donation center has a record of your Hepatitis B, they will likely refuse your donation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Can I Donate Blood After Testing Negative for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen?
Understanding Your Son's Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean
Hepatitis B test results My son is currently in the second year of high school, and I recently had him check for hepatitis B-related markers. The results are as follows (reference values provided by the testing hospital): HBsAg (surface antigen) 1.1 (reference value <0.9) POSI...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: You are likely a carrier of Hepatitis B, but the concentration is very low and poses minimal harm. Further monitoring and testing can be conducted. It is estimated that vaccination may not be effective. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Your Son's Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B test results Hello Dr. Tsai: I have undergone three tests related to hepatitis B. The surface antigen results were 0.9, 0.6, and <0.1 (with normal values being <1, indicating negative). The antibody results were positive, >1000, and positive (with normal va...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, (1) Surface antigens indicate whether one is a carrier; a negative result means you are healthy, and the specific numbers are not a concern. (2) Antibodies indicate immunity, meaning you will not be infected with hepatitis B. The only thing to note is that if you are in a ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Can Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Become Negative with Treatment?
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, my surface antigen decreased from 1.3 to 1.04, while my surface antibody levels are between 5.6 and 5.56. In previous years, my surface antigen was consistently above 5 or higher. Is there any act...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For the treatment of hepatitis B, there are currently five antiviral medications and interferons (both long-acting and short-acting). Antiviral medications reduce HBV-DNA and improve liver function. Interferons have immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. Other mec...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Become Negative with Treatment?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Nonreactive HBsAg and Negative Anti-HBs Mean
Hepatitis testing I would like to ask the doctor, I went for a hepatitis B test, and the result for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was non-reactive, while the result for hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) was negative. What do these results mean? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Since both the hepatitis B antigen and antibody are negative, you have not been infected with hepatitis B and do not have antibodies for immunity against it. If you are not in a healthcare position that requires contact with hepatitis B patients, it is not necessarily...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Nonreactive HBsAg and Negative Anti-HBs Mean
Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms
Acute Hepatitis B Emergency Hello Dr. Chen, I have not been previously diagnosed with hepatitis B or C. On October 17, I visited a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic due to fatigue and jaundice. Blood tests showed GOT: 2000, GPT: 4000, T-bil: 10.7, HBsAg: 1801, Anti-HBc I...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, 1. When starting the medication, the antiviral effect has not fully suppressed the virus yet, so there may still be a short-term upward trend. It is advisable to be hospitalized for close observation. Changing the medication may not have a significant effect, but a...[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Managing Severe Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms
Understanding Abnormal Liver Test Results: What Do They Mean?
The health examination report shows abnormalities? Hello Dr. Chen, I recently had a health check-up at the hospital, and the report showed that my Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, EIA) test result was 0.341, which is NEGATIVE. The reference value is also NEGATIVE. However, the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: There is no problem; you are not a carrier of hepatitis B, but you also do not have hepatitis B antibodies. It is possible that the hepatitis B vaccine you received at birth has become undetectable as you aged. Currently, there is no requirement for non-healthcare pe...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Acute Hepatitis B or Chronic Hepatitis B? Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I hope you can provide me with some advice. Last month, I went to the hospital for an examination due to stomach discomfort. The doctor ordered blood tests (first test on 5/13) whic...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the clinical course and blood test follow-up, the likelihood of acute hepatitis B is the highest, and it seems that the patient has completely recovered from this acute hepatitis B episode, with the disappearance of surface antigens and the production of surface a...[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Liver tumor treatment Dear Director Chen, My father is 85 years old and has been drinking alcohol since his youth, but he has never reached the level of alcoholism. His daily routine has been normal. In early July, he was hospitalized due to abdominal pain, and a CT scan reveale...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If cholangiocarcinoma has metastasized or invaded the gallbladder, the prognosis is poor. 2. Electrocautery is used for treating solitary small tumors; however, this patient is not suitable for electrocautery due to tumor invasion of the gallbladder and hepatic ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?
Is it necessary to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old. During my health check in 2012, my Hepatitis B surface antigen was negative, and my Hepatitis B surface antibody was positive (concentration 23.18 mIU/mL). However, in March of ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Shuiyue, based on your description, you are eligible to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. It seems that your immune cells are not continuously secreting antibodies, which is a normal physiological regulation (the body does not keep producing antibodies unnecessarily; instead,...[Read More] Should You Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine After Exposure?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Positive and Negative Test Results Explained
Hepatitis B negative positive Hello Doctor: I have tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, I had two tests done one month apart, but the antigen test result was negative while the ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: It is recommended that you bring all your blood test results to a gastroenterologist for a detailed assessment and necessary examinations to confirm your current condition. The preliminary assessment suggests that you are not a highly infectious patient, so please do...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Positive and Negative Test Results Explained
Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Doctor, my husband had a health check-up over a month ago and was found to have a Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level of 0.12 IU/ml. The physician's overall assessment indicates that there is a Hepatitis B virus in his body and...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive HBsAg indicates an infection with the hepatitis B virus. Testing for IgM anti-HBc can determine if it is an acute hepatitis B infection. If HBsAg remains positive after six months and HBsAb is negative, it indicates chronic hepatitis B. 2. Hepatitis B is ...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Risks
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I had a blood test for hepatitis B antibodies, and the results showed that both the surface antigen (HepAg) and surface antibody (HepAb) were negative. Since my partner is a carrier of hepatitis B, I completed three doses of th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Those who have surface antibodies are almost unlikely to have surface antigens, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Elevated levels of r-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) index? Hello Doctor, my sGOT and sGPT levels are normal, and my liver cancer screening results are also normal. However, my r-GT levels are slightly elevated, exceeding the reference values in the test report. An abdominal ultr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. Elevated rGT levels in some individuals may be of unknown origin, but it is still recommended to monitor for 6-12 months. 2. For individuals with no hepatitis B surface antigen and no antibodies, if they are not healthcare workers or do not have close relatives wit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B and Cholesterol Levels in College Health Checks
Please provide the health check data? Dear Director Chen, Regarding my daughter's university entrance health examination, the following data is noted: - Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) → Negative - Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) → Positive - Hepatitis B core ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Mrs. Lin: As you mentioned, the hepatitis B antibodies should be a result of effective vaccination. The lower cholesterol content should not pose any health risks. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Cholesterol Levels in College Health Checks
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Regarding abnormal liver enzyme levels? Hello Doctor, At the end of February, my school conducted a health check, and the results showed abnormal liver enzyme levels, with GOT at 38 and GPT at 92. In April, I had a follow-up blood test, and my GOT decreased to 82. The healthcar...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The effectiveness of medication for fatty liver is not very good; long-term control of diet and weight is necessary for improvement. Please continue to make an effort and follow up. If there is no family history of hepatitis B or if you are not involved in the health...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Have an Infection?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask if the following values indicate that I have been infected with Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B surface antigen = 0.05 IU/ml and Hepatitis B surface antibody = 2.28 mIU/ml. Additionally, what are the reference values that defi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: The hepatitis B test typically uses 1.0 as the cutoff value, so you should not be a carrier of hepatitis B. If necessary, you can visit a hepatobiliary specialty clinic for further confirmation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Have an Infection?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Lifelong Protection or Regular Testing?
Hepatitis B antibodies Dear Dr. Chen, My child received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and successfully developed antibodies. However, when entering high school, the antibody levels decreased, and we administered two booster doses, resulting in an antibody concentration greate...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Liu, The effectiveness of the vaccine lasts approximately 10 years. There is currently no consensus on whether a booster shot is necessary, but it is generally believed that immune memory persists, thus a booster may not be required. Changhua Hospital cares about your ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Lifelong Protection or Regular Testing?