Understanding Baraclude Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B in Taiwan
Belantamab mafodotin treatment 1. The patient has been a carrier of hepatitis B for over 5 years, with positive HBeAg and an HBV-DNA level of 911,500 IU/mL in March 2016. In August 2016, the AST/ALT levels were 119/290, which is the highest recorded. After half a month, the level...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. ① Generally, you can apply if the levels remain elevated for more than 3 months, with a doubling of values or jaundice greater than 2. If the e-antigen is positive for more than 3 months, and you have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over 6 months, with a GPT increas...[Read More] Understanding Baraclude Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment Options and Management in Taiwan
Inquiry about Hepatitis B issues? Hello, doctor. Here are the details of the case: A family member has a history of hepatitis B and is currently on their second course of government-subsidized medication (the first course was with Hepsera from 2003 to 2005, and the second course ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. Currently, there have been no reports of adverse effects from Taiwanese medications, but please discuss with your physician regarding the medication and whether further viral testing under health insurance is necessary. 2. To prevent recurrence, long-term medic...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment Options and Management in Taiwan
Early Stage Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Early-stage liver cancer treatment? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is a carrier of hepatitis B and has gallstones. Last month, an MRI at Asia University Hospital revealed a 1 cm tumor in the hepatic vein. Due to its proximity to blood vessels, it is not suitable for radiofrequency abl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You can visit Dr. Huang Kai-Wen at National Taiwan University Hospital for a discussion on new treatment options (out-of-pocket). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Early Stage Liver Cancer: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Should You Pay for Further Testing?
Hepatitis B..? Hello Doctor, I did not pass the military service physical examination and was asked to undergo a re-examination. Therefore, I spent 1500 NTD at a clinic for a blood test to check my liver. After the results came out, the doctor said my report was very unreasonable...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can visit a large hospital's gastroenterology department for follow-up examinations. If your ALT levels continue to rise without decreasing, you may also consider having a DNA test covered by health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidia...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Should You Pay for Further Testing?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Development in Taiwan
Hepatitis B Consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. The hepatitis B vaccine was not widely administered until 1984, which means that babies born before that year, as well as older adults, did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine, right? How did they develop the...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The risk of liver cancer increases specifically in individuals who have been infected with hepatitis B and have become carriers. If a person has been infected and has developed antibodies on their own, they will have lifelong immunity and their risk of liver cancer will no...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Antibody Development in Taiwan
Combining Oral Baraclude and Long-Acting Interferon for Hepatitis B: Is It Effective?
Oral Baraclude combined with injectable long-acting interferon, is this approach feasible? Hello Director Chen! I have been receiving treatment for hepatitis B at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital since 2008, which has been about 8 years. I have undergone two courses of Baraclude (a t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. It is not drug resistance but rather a common occurrence of relapse after discontinuation of medication. The significance of using Hepatitis B antiviral therapy remains the same. 2. In some patients, a combination of oral antiviral therapy and interferon can fur...[Read More] Combining Oral Baraclude and Long-Acting Interferon for Hepatitis B: Is It Effective?
Understanding Liver Nodules: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Hepatic nodular hyperplasia Recent abdominal ultrasound examination report: low echo liver nodule (right lobe, approximately 0.7 cm). Can you explain my situation? I do not have hepatitis B or C and am very concerned it could be a tumor or cancer. My body fat percentage is relati...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You can follow up with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic in three months. There may not necessarily be any changes, so there is no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Carriers Over 60
Reactivation of Hepatitis B Virus I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I undergo ultrasound and blood tests every six months, and my indices are normal, so I do not need medication and must return for regular check-ups every six months. I have heard that after the age of 60, when the b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. As long as you have regular follow-ups, you can lead a normal life. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Carriers Over 60
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function test results? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions. I have not been very healthy regarding my gastrointestinal system since middle school, experiencing recurrent issues such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. I usual...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. If the values are greater than normal, it can be classified as acute hepatitis. However, if it is accompanied by jaundice and coagulation dysfunction, it indicates hepatic decompensation, which poses a risk. 2. There are many causes of hepatitis; if you have not been ev...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Urgent Help Needed: Exploring Treatment Options for Liver Tumors
Help, liver tumor? Hello, doctor! My wife is 40 years old and has a history of ovarian cancer at the age of 12. She does not have hepatitis B, but in April of this year, she was found to have a tumor approximately 12 cm in size along with some smaller tumors. The larger tumor is ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can visit the oncology department at the medical center to seek a second opinion. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Exploring Treatment Options for Liver Tumors
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, my past lifestyle habits include staying up late, irregular eating, and not exercising much. About a month ago, I suddenly experienced discomfort in my abdomen, along with frequent diarrhea or loose stools... (sometimes the solid stool appear...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. Gastritis does not cause abnormal liver function. You can continue to monitor the changes in hepatitis through treatment. 2. Additionally, medications may also cause hepatitis, so please discuss your medications with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Will Hepatitis B Vaccination Affect Blood Test Results for Infection?
Will receiving the hepatitis B vaccine result in test results similar to an actual hepatitis B infection? Hello Dr. Chen: I received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, but during a check-up last year, I found that the antibodies had disappeared. Therefore, three days ago, I receiv...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. It will not affect the antigen. You can check the antibodies one month after receiving the booster vaccine, and most will have appeared by then. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Will Hepatitis B Vaccination Affect Blood Test Results for Infection?
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again! I was infected with hepatitis B in my twenties or even earlier, and at that time, the doctor said no treatment was needed. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, and I have liver fibrosis....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Liver roughness/liver fibrosis should be assessed for severity; if it is mild, it is not serious. (2) Aging or fatty liver can lead to liver fibrosis. If there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, there is no need for excessive concern. (3) As long as immune functio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Weak Positive Results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Dr. Chen! Today, I received the results from my health check blood test: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 0.07 - weak positive; Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) 17.31 - weak positive. However, during the same period last year, m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. This is likely a reasonable error in the laboratory results. You can discuss this with your physician and follow up in about 3 to 6 months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody
Understanding Liver Nodules: Should You Worry About a 0.7mm Finding?
There is a nodule in the liver? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B and have been continuously monitored. Recently, during an ultrasound examination, a 0.7 mm hypoechoic nodule was found. The doctor is not very certain whether it is a tumor or another benign condition; they only su...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Generally, a size greater than 1-2 centimeters is required for a CT scan to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant. Please follow up with a ultrasound in three months to monitor any changes. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Should You Worry About a 0.7mm Finding?
Should I Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine if Antibodies Are Gone?
Regarding the hepatitis B vaccine? I would like to ask, I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was a child, but the school tested and said I have no antibodies and have not been infected. Should I get a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine since the antibodies have disappea...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you receive the hepatitis B vaccine. There is a certain risk of infection, but it is not 100%. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Should I Get a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine if Antibodies Are Gone?
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Experience a Complete Recovery?
Hepatitis B carrier Hello Dr. Tsai: I have undergone health check-ups at a large hospital more than ten times due to being a chronic hepatitis B carrier, so I pay special attention to liver issues. In the past, I have had records of completely normal liver function tests. However...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In clinical practice, it is not uncommon for older individuals to have a disappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), indicating that they are no longer carriers of the virus. However, it is still recommended to continue monitoring as per the guidelines for hepati...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Experience a Complete Recovery?
Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests
I take Hepatitis B medication? Dr. Chen, I have been taking hypertension medication for ten years. Other clinics have prescribed me with Hepatitis B medication, which helps reduce my thirst. I need to go to Chang Gung Hospital in a few days to check for Hepatitis B and C, and the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. Weininggan contains liver-protective ingredients (which can counteract oxidative stress from free radicals) and vitamins. Pharmacologically, it can improve liver function, but there is no direct evidence of its effectiveness for thirst. Changhua Hospital cares about y...[Read More] Understanding the Effects of Liver Supplements on Thirst and Blood Tests
Should You Pay Out-of-Pocket for Hepatitis B Treatment?
Is treatment for hepatitis B out-of-pocket? My liver enzymes have been fluctuating around 50 to 70. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with fatty liver, and during my follow-up appointment two days ago, the doctor mentioned that my fatty liver has worsened. He said that inflamma...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. The medication for fatty liver is not very effective. Please manage your weight and diet, and engage in exercise. Also, be aware of any signs of high blood sugar or high cholesterol. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Should You Pay Out-of-Pocket for Hepatitis B Treatment?
Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns
Bowel irregularity About three to four days ago, I suddenly experienced severe stomach pain (the pain is located in the upper abdomen). The stool I passed resembled the color of a soft drink, and it was unformed, similar to mud or water. On the first day, I went to the bathroom a...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Stomach pain combined with diarrhea may indicate acute gastroenteritis. If the condition does not improve, please consult a gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Bowel Movements: Causes and Concerns