Can Hepatitis B Antigen Turn Negative After Being a Carrier?
I am not vertically infected? I was tested for hepatitis B when I was 32 years old, and the lab technician said I had never been infected. Four years later, I was tested again and found to be a carrier of hepatitis B. If I go for another test in six months, is there a chance that...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If an adult contracts hepatitis B, there is a 90% chance of recovery, and only about 10% will become carriers. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Antigen Turn Negative After Being a Carrier?
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin Doctor, I recently had blood test results showing elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The normal value for total bilirubin is 1.2 mg/dL, and mine is 1.77 mg/dL. The normal value for direct bilirubin is 0.5 mg/dL, and mine is 0.6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems to be a benign congenital condition related to bilirubin metabolism. Generally, it is not dangerous and does not require treatment. At most, you may need to have blood tests annually for comparison, so there is no need to worry! Changh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Discrepancies Between Imaging Reports and Physician Assessments in Gastroenterology
There is a discrepancy between the imaging examination results and the radiology report compared to the physician's report? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing prolonged stomach pain, pain in my left rib area, and persistent abdominal pain. Whenever the pain in my left r...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please discuss with your physician but do not become overly anxious. Trust the physician's judgment and continue to follow up. Maintain a regular routine and you may try local heat application. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Discrepancies Between Imaging Reports and Physician Assessments in Gastroenterology
Managing Gallbladder Polyps: Prevention and Surgical Options
Cholecystectomy for gallbladder polyps? My mother recently had a test that showed a 0.4 cm polyp in her gallbladder. The doctor said it doesn't need to be removed yet. What methods can be used to inhibit its growth? If it gets larger, will the polyp be removed, or will the e...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Follow-up every six months; gallbladder polyps larger than 1 cm require management, even if asymptomatic.[Read More] Managing Gallbladder Polyps: Prevention and Surgical Options
Understanding Abnormal AST Levels and Managing Abdominal Ultrasound Findings
Health Check Consultation Doctor, I would like to ask about my health check results. My AST (GOT) level is 38, while the reference range is 15-37. Should I be concerned about this abnormality? Additionally, the abdominal ultrasound indicated that the tail of my pancreas is obstru...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. 1. As long as there is no hepatitis B or C, there should be no problem; just continue with monitoring. 2. Gastrointestinal issues can obstruct the angle of the pancreatic tail, which is often difficult to resolve, but there are also fewer chances of lesions. Changhua...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal AST Levels and Managing Abdominal Ultrasound Findings
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes indicating inflammation? Hello, doctor. I went to the family medicine clinic last week for a blood test, and today the report came back. My blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides are all normal, but my liver enzymes are elevated. The family medicine do...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: An ALT level of 60 (with a standard range of 7-42) indicates a liver condition that is not considered severe. However, it may be caused by fatty liver or insufficient sleep. Once the underlying cause is identified, further measures can be taken to improve the situation, wh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Is Fatty Liver the Cause?
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I had a blood test and today the report shows liver function results: GOT: 34 IU/L (5-34), GPT: 54 IU/L (<40). Last year, during a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, the doctor performed an ultrasound of my liver and diagnosed me with fa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is possible to try losing weight first and rule out hepatitis B/C. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Is Fatty Liver the Cause?
Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B, and an ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm hemangioma in my liver. There is no cirrhosis or enlargement of the liver according to my health check report. My GOT and GPT levels are normal, and my AFP is also normal. The only abn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the jaundice is due to a metabolic issue related to your constitution, which should not be a concern. Please continue to monitor it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Resistance and Monitoring
Recent hepatitis B screening? Hello Dr. Lin, I am a carrier of Hepatitis B. I have been on treatment with ETV (entecavir) for three years. In December and June of last year, my viral load was undetectable, but this June, the viral load was measured at 28. However, the E antigen, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1) Hepcludex is used for chronic hepatitis B, and the chance of developing drug resistance is very low. 2) GPT: 49 indicates elevated liver enzymes; besides hepatitis B, other possible causes such as medications, infections, or non-compliance with medication should be considered....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Resistance and Monitoring
Should You Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B After Antibody Loss?
Disappearance of hepatitis B antibodies? Doctor, twelve years ago during my vocational high school physical examination, I did not have hepatitis B antibodies. A few years later, during my studies at a junior college and a technical college, the physical examination reports also ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine to establish immunity against hepatitis B. You can visit either a clinic or a hospital. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Should You Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B After Antibody Loss?
Understanding Fluctuations in Anti-HBs Levels After Hepatitis B Treatment
Hepatitis B Anti-HBs Value Issues Dear Dr. Chen, I hope this message finds you well. During a company health check in 2007, I was found to be a carrier of hepatitis B with elevated liver enzymes (approximately GOT over 800). After follow-up at National Taiwan University Hospital...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. The values obtained are not completely quantitative, so they should only be used for reference and should not be interpreted based on their magnitude. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Anti-HBs Levels After Hepatitis B Treatment
Managing Hepatitis B: Should You Start Antiviral Treatment Early?
Antiviral medications for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. My father is a carrier of hepatitis B and underwent liver tumor resection surgery for stage II hepatocellular carcinoma at the end of March. During today's follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that my father qualifies fo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You may inquire with the case manager about completing the medication application to schedule an earlier follow-up visit for your medication, so you won't have to pay out of pocket. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Should You Start Antiviral Treatment Early?
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Oral Antiviral Drugs in Hepatitis B
Issues regarding health insurance coverage for oral antiviral medications for hepatitis B? I have been taking Viread for three years due to hepatitis B, as recommended by my physician. My health insurance coverage for this medication is about to expire. Although my liver enzyme l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. According to my understanding, the regulations regarding health insurance have indeed been relaxed, allowing for treatment until the e-antigen becomes undetectable. Therefore, please discuss your medication situation clearly with your physician. Changhua Hospital care...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Oral Antiviral Drugs in Hepatitis B
Understanding Conflicting Hepatitis B Test Results: What to Do Next
Hepatitis B test results? Hello Doctor, my husband's health check results show HBsAg positive at 1.29, HBsAb positive at 22.9, GOT at 50, and GPT at 87. The clinic doctor concluded that these test results are somewhat contradictory and recommended follow-up in three months. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, theoretically, antibodies and antigens should not coexist at the same time, so we need to observe the changes after a few months for a comprehensive assessment. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Conflicting Hepatitis B Test Results: What to Do Next
Should I Extend My Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Please inquire about the interferon treatment regimen for hepatitis B? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B, with vertical transmission from my mother. A year ago, my GOT and GPT levels were about twice the normal values, which qualified me for health insurance coverage. I underw...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Interferon treatment is typically standardized for one year, and extending the treatment is not recommended. After discontinuation, there may still be subsequent immune effects, so continued monitoring is necessary. On the other hand, if there is a severe hepatitis fl...[Read More] Should I Extend My Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Can You Safely Get A and B Hepatitis Vaccines Together?
Regarding hepatitis A and hepatitis B issues? 1. Hello, doctor. I am a male, and I would like to know if I can receive the Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, and the nine-valent HPV vaccine (for cervical cancer prevention) simultaneously. Is it possible to administer these...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended not to administer both vaccines simultaneously. 2. If antibodies have not yet formed, there is a possibility of infection. 3. Hepatitis A is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. 4. This does not affect Changhua Hospital's concern for your health....[Read More] Can You Safely Get A and B Hepatitis Vaccines Together?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: AST, ALT, and hsCRP Levels Explained
Liver function tests (LFTs) AST test result: 19 ALT test result: 48 hsCRP test result: 1.50 On 4/20: AST test result: 20 ALT test result: 47 hsCRP test result: 1.24 The patient is currently receiving intravenous antibiotics (Vesicant) for the treatment of osteomye...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the changes in your liver function indices are minimal. As long as the liver ultrasound is normal and there are no hepatitis B or C infections, you can continue with regular monitoring. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: AST, ALT, and hsCRP Levels Explained
Understanding Fluctuations in Liver Enzymes During Hepatitis B Treatment
After taking Baraclude for hepatitis B carrier status, the liver enzyme levels fluctuate? Dear Dr. Chen, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and started treatment with Baraclude on April 14th of this year due to elevated liver enzymes. I have been taking the medication for about three...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Belatacept rarely develops resistance, and the onset of resistance does not occur within the first few months, so there is no need to worry. Changes in liver function need to be evaluated to rule out other causes and should be monitored further, including a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Liver Enzymes During Hepatitis B Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B Relapse After Stopping Medication: Key Insights
Will there be a relapse after stopping liver medication? Hello Doctor: My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B. In June 2015, he visited the hospital due to fatigue, and the results showed GOT 47, GPT 59, indicating abnormal liver function, and triglycerides at 219, with a diagnos...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Patients with abnormal liver function and hepatitis B can use liver-protective medications covered by health insurance, but the cause of the condition needs to be confirmed at a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. If it is fatty liver, dietary control and weight mana...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Relapse After Stopping Medication: Key Insights
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a persistent issue. I usually wake up in the morning and have a normal bowel movement. However, after I eat breakfast or drink water, I experience abdominal pain and the urge to use the bathroom again, sometimes ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Based on the symptoms, this appears to be a gastrointestinal functional disorder. The current follow-up examinations seem sufficient. It is advisable to adjust the diet by reducing oil, dairy, and irritants, and to adopt a mild diet. If there is no improvement, consideration can ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions