Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Am I a carrier of a disease? My hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive; is it positive or negative? Also, my liver function tests show aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 20.00 (10-42 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 12.00 (10-40 IU/L). What does this mean? It...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, your question is unclear. Is the surface antigen positive or negative? Are the surface antibodies positive or negative? These two factors are very important; only by clarifying them can we determine if you are a carrier of hepatitis B. The latter two refer to liver inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Are You a Carrier of the Virus?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Hepatitis B antibodies? Recently, the school arranged for liver function tests, and the results indicated that I have no immunity against hepatitis B. The report noted: "Further testing for hepatitis B core antibodies is required. If positive for hepatitis B core antibodies,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. If the core antibody test is negative and there is no Hepatitis B surface antigen, it indicates that there has been no past infection with Hepatitis B, and without antibodies, vaccination can be administered to produce antibodies. If the core antibody is positive but ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Testing and Vaccination Requirements
Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Report issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my boyfriend and I went for a premarital health check-up. Today, I went to pick up the report, but it was only handwritten, and I couldn't understand some of the indices (previously, at another hospital, I received values to compare a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello Ruby, 1. Your test results (female) show abnormal levels of red blood cells and white blood cells in the urine, with a normal range being 0-5/HPF, which may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires follow-up. In your blood tests, the levels of red blood cells, whit...[Read More] Understanding Your Pre-Marital Health Checkup Results: Key Insights
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Antigen with Negative Antibody Results
Antigen positive but antibody negative? Hello Dr. Hsu: During my health check-up last year, I found that my Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive but the antibody was negative, and my GPT was slightly elevated at 39. The doctor suggested a follow-up in six months, indicating i...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, last year's test report indicated that you were infected with hepatitis B, but it could not confirm whether it was acute or chronic. Therefore, it was recommended to follow up in six months. However, this month's blood test report only mentioned that the core ant...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Antigen with Negative Antibody Results
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Issues related to Hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About four years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and the doctor told me that I am a healthy carrier, and I only need to return for check-ups every six months. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I only know that my surfa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
1. The definition of a healthy carrier is someone who is infected with hepatitis B but has normal liver function tests and ultrasound results. 2. Your SGPT level is 53, which is slightly elevated, indicating mild inflammation; therefore, close monitoring is necessary, but current...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Managing Unexpected Pregnancy While on Medication: Risks and Options
Can D&C treat unintended pregnancy? Dr. Hsu: Hello, my pre-treatment GOT/GPT levels were 120/64. After taking Danazol for four months, my liver enzymes have returned to normal at 19/17, but the E antigen remains positive. I have been on medication for over a year now, and it ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu! After inquiring with the pharmaceutical company, there is limited safety data regarding the use of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) during human pregnancy. In reproductive studies conducted on animals, there is no evidence indicating that Ganoderma lucidum has t...[Read More] Managing Unexpected Pregnancy While on Medication: Risks and Options
Is It Safe to Stop Taking Medication After Undetectable Viral DNA?
If a patient has an undetectable viral load (less than 60 copies) after taking Tenofovir, can they stop the medication? Dr. Chen: Hello! I started taking Entecavir at the end of 2005 and stopped after about ten months. Two months after stopping, I relapsed. At the end of December...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsuan-Hsuan, According to general principles, once the e-antigen disappears and DNA is undetectable for three months, medication can be discontinued. However, there is still a possibility of relapse, so treatment may be extended to a total of three years. If there are ...[Read More] Is It Safe to Stop Taking Medication After Undetectable Viral DNA?
Deciding Whether to Resume Medication After Stopping: A Liver Health Dilemma
What should I do if my condition relapsed after stopping Danazol after a year and a half of use? Hello doctor... I previously had an index over 300 and took antiviral medication for more than a year, during which my e-antigen turned negative. After taking the medication for anoth...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Indeed, this situation can be quite distressing. Your physician's perspective is not incorrect; while inflammation may decrease, the current assessment suggests a higher likelihood of ongoing inflammation. Additionally, although your E antigen is negative, your GPT le...[Read More] Deciding Whether to Resume Medication After Stopping: A Liver Health Dilemma
Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Regarding the liver regeneration function associated with the use of "Belac" (Bepotastine besilate)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have purchased your book and would like to consult you regarding my father, who is 60 years old and has related health issues. Two years ago, he was ho...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello: My father has cirrhosis and underwent embolization two years ago. After that, the embolized area was surgically removed. He has been developing tumors every six months, which have been treated with alcohol injections. In October 2006, with the physician's permission, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
What tests should be conducted for hepatitis B carriers? I have been a carrier since birth due to my mother and am planning to go to the hospital for a check-up (this is my first time proactively seeking an examination). What specific tests should I request from the doctor to ens...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! You should at least know your e antigen, e antibody, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results.[Read More] Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
Can I Safely Stop Taking Gan An Neng While Trying to Conceive?
Currently taking Danazol, but eager to conceive? Dr. Chen: Hello! Last year, my GOT and GPT levels were elevated, and my doctor indicated signs of liver inflammation, recommending that I take Danazol. After one month of treatment, my GOT and GPT levels significantly decreased, an...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss; the timing to consider stopping treatment is when the E antigen turns from positive to negative (for more than 16 months). Please discuss this with your physician. It is safest to wait at least 6 months after stopping treatment before attempting to conceive, but clos...[Read More] Can I Safely Stop Taking Gan An Neng While Trying to Conceive?
Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Vice President Tsai. Two years ago, I had a health check-up at Taipei Hospital, where the result for Hepatitis B antibodies was positive. However, I recently went to another health check-up center, and the result was weakly positive (51 IU/L). Is thi...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
This is a normal phenomenon observed during health check-ups at Taipei Hospital. The positive reaction for hepatitis B antibodies is a qualitative test result, while other health check centers conduct quantitative tests. A weak positive result is acceptable. Hepatitis B Overvie...[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Managing Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What Should You Do Next?
How should abnormal liver function tests be managed? Hello Dr. Chen: My husband had a liver function test through a blood test six months ago, which showed SGOT/AST: 25 (the report indicates normal values are 12-33), SGPT/ALT: 38 (the report indicates normal values are 5-35), and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: If you do not have hepatitis B or C, it is likely that fatty liver is the culprit (or drug-induced liver injury). Since your liver enzyme levels are close to normal, there is no need for medication; you just need to consult a gastroenterologist to identify the cau...[Read More] Managing Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What Should You Do Next?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
What should I do? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have been aware of my hepatitis B carrier status for 17 years. Throughout this time, my liver function tests (GOT, GPT), alpha-fetoprotein levels, and ultrasound results have all been normal. However, my e-antigen has consistently tested positiv...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Ms. Lu! 1. Your liver enzyme levels were within an acceptable range until April of this year, but starting in June, your GPT levels have been consistently elevated, indicating an acute episode. Have you undergone detailed examinations to determine the cause of the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
Is It the Right Time to Start Taking Liver Medications?
There are concerns about taking Liver An? Hello: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular follow-up examinations every six months for the past eight years. Over these eight years, my GOT and GPT levels have fluctuated. For the past three years, ultrasound ex...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. According to the letter, you have moderate fatty liver, which could also be a potential cause of your hepatitis. 2. Additionally, your GPT levels have consistently been elevated, and since your E antigen is positive, the use of Tenofovir could be considered. However, yo...[Read More] Is It the Right Time to Start Taking Liver Medications?
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Their Implications
Hepatitis B issues Hello doctor, I have hepatitis B. A few days ago, I underwent testing, and the result for the hepatitis B surface antigen was 284.71 (+). Is this considered a high value? Should I start medication? Additionally, my current job involves baking bread, which is qu...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The value of your surface antigen is not related to your condition; this report simply indicates that you have been infected with hepatitis B. Whether you need medication for your condition depends on whether your liver is inflamed, which means we need to check if your blo...[Read More] Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Their Implications
Understanding Elevated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. A few days ago, I had blood tests for GOT and GPT, both of which were normal, but one value was quite high. The surface antigen index is 284.2. Doctor, is this number very high? Should I take medication? If ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The value of the surface antigen is not related to the severity of the disease; this report simply informs you that you have hepatitis B. Whether or not to take medication should be based on the levels of GOT and GPT. You may want to consult your attending physician for mo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted During Menstruation?
As a carrier of hepatitis B, it is possible to transmit the virus to your partner during sexual intercourse, including during menstruation. It is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to understand the risks and consider preventive measures, such as vaccination ...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Sexual activity is one of the transmission routes for hepatitis B. However, for transmission to occur, in addition to the route, it is important to consider the viral activity of the carrier. Currently, it cannot be confirmed whether your menstrual blood could infect your ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted During Menstruation?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Expert Insights and Next Steps for Patients
Questions about Hepatitis B - Thank you to the doctor for their tireless responses? Thank you, Dr. Hsu, for your tireless responses. I believe you may have misinterpreted my previous message due to your busy schedule. The data I provided regarding positive surface antibodies and ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Let me summarize your information: During your university entrance health check-up three years ago, you mentioned that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and surface antibody tests were positive. Such results cannot confirm whether you are a carrier of hepatitis B or if ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Expert Insights and Next Steps for Patients