Can You Skip to the Second Hepatitis B Vaccine Dose?
Second dose of hepatitis B vaccine? If someone has not received the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and directly receives the second dose, it may affect the immune response. The hepatitis B vaccination schedule typically consists of three doses, and the first dose is crucia...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please confirm your vaccination records and check your Hepatitis B antibodies. Then discuss the related risks and whether to receive the vaccine again with your gastroenterologist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Can You Skip to the Second Hepatitis B Vaccine Dose?
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 Hepatitis B e Antibody: Treatment Outcomes and Longevity
Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you: If after taking antiviral medication for six months, the blood test shows e-antibody <1, but the e-antigen is still positive and the viral load is undetectable, does this still indicate that the patient ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. In chronic hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen positive and have liver enzyme levels more than twice the normal limit, after six months of antiviral medication, if the viral load is undetectable, it cannot be considered a cure. The treatment goal is to continue until e-anti...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B e Antibody: Treatment Outcomes and Longevity
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the issue related to hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions regarding hepatitis B. I am 37 years old, and there is a high likelihood that my hepatitis B was transmitted vertically from my mother. 1. I have undergone two HBV...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Based on your description, the e-antigen has been negative for over a decade. The e-antigen indicates the replicative activity of the virus; essentially, "e-antigen negative chronic hepatitis" refers to the detection of a negative e-antigen. (2) Mild hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Liver Fibrosis with AST Levels
Blood Test Report Doctor: My blood test results show that my AST (also known as GOT) is 20.4, and my platelet count is 204,000. There is no evidence of hepatitis B or C. Can this be used to assess whether the subject has liver fibrosis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine liver fibrosis solely based on this. It is necessary to refer to the A/G ratio, the GOT/GPT ratio, and abdominal ultrasound imaging. Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, attending physician of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at Taoyuan Ge...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Liver Fibrosis with AST Levels
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Blood Test Insights and Evaluation Methods
Liver fibrosis Hello Doctor: In June of this year, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor mentioned that my liver appeared coarse. I learned that this indicates liver fibrosis, which has made me very sad and worried. A month later, I had a blood test, and the results showe...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the accumulation of sufficient liver fibrosis leads to cirrhosis. The diagnosis of cirrhosis is often based on a combination of blood test results and ultrasound imaging of the liver. Factors such as the observation of liver stiffness, platelet count, the GOT/GPT ratio, th...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Blood Test Insights and Evaluation Methods
Understanding the Shift from Negative to Positive HBsAg in Hepatology
The surface antigen changed from negative to positive? In the past two years, the blood tests showed HBsAg: negative and Anti-HBs antibody: positive. However, last week’s blood test results showed HBsAg: changed from negative to positive (with two consecutive tests both positive)...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: From a theoretical standpoint, a change in HBsAg from negative to positive indicates an infection with hepatitis B. However, it is advisable to consider the quantity of HBsAg, as some low-level positive reactions may be laboratory errors. Essentially, a positive Anti-HBs a...[Read More] Understanding the Shift from Negative to Positive HBsAg in Hepatology
Understanding Atypical Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Malignant?
Hepatic hemangioma Hello, doctor. About 4 to 5 years ago, during a health check-up, an ultrasound found a suspected hepatic hemangioma measuring 0.6 mm. I have been monitored every three months to six months, and now it's once a year, with the size consistently at 0.6 mm. Al...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Based on what has been described, it appears to be a benign small tumor with no likelihood of malignancy, so there is no need to worry at this time. For further details, it is necessary to discuss and evaluate the actual imaging data with your gastroenterologist. Cha...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Malignant?
Concerns About Gastrointestinal Infections After Southeast Asia Travel
Concerns regarding infection issues in epidemic areas? In May, I traveled to Southeast Asia, and upon returning around mid-July, I noticed that my stools were softer than usual and contained what appeared to be dark brown mucus. This condition lasted for about 3 to 4 weeks, after...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is recommended to first visit a gastroenterology clinic to check your stool in order to determine if there are any issues. Additionally, when traveling to mainland China or Southeast Asia, please consume only cooked food and avoid drinking untreated water. Changhua...[Read More] Concerns About Gastrointestinal Infections After Southeast Asia Travel
Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more specific information or questions regarding hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis B. Recently, he underwent tests and his results showed GOT 54, GPT 85, viral load 17,000 (which is above the normal range), bilirubin 0.9, and amylase 111 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please schedule an appointment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department for evaluation by the attending physician. Additionally, avoid alcohol, refrain from staying up late, and do not consume traditional Chinese medicine or steroids. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Elevated Liver Enzymes and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed liver fibrosis and an enlarged spleen, but I do not have hepatitis B or C and I do not drink alcohol. What treatment should I pursue? Additionally, do I need to go to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The causes of liver fibrosis are not limited to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcohol; there are many other different causes. Fibroscan is a more advanced ultrasound scan that can quantify the degree of fibrosis, but it cannot diagnose the underlying cause. Typically, fibr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Can Hair Clippers Transmit Hepatitis? Understanding Infection Risks
Questions about the transmission routes of hepatitis? I saw news reports indicating that barbers' razors could potentially transmit hepatitis. Do electric clippers, similar to razors, also pose a risk? Or do both pose a risk? If I want to check if I have hepatitis, is a bloo...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: It should be noted that certain types of hepatitis are transmitted through blood, specifically Hepatitis B or C. However, the likelihood of transmission is very low, so there is no need for excessive concern. The necessary condition for transmission is that the previous us...[Read More] Can Hair Clippers Transmit Hepatitis? Understanding Infection Risks
Comparing Drug and Injection Treatments for Liver Fibrosis
Liver fibrosis issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about liver fibrosis. There are two types of treatment: medication and injections. Which treatment is generally recommended for better efficacy?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Currently, there are no specific medications for liver fibrosis. There are only drugs available for hepatitis B and C viruses, so please discuss this with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Comparing Drug and Injection Treatments for Liver Fibrosis
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Next Steps
Liver fibrosis Hello doctor, a few days ago I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. I then went to Taoyuan Shengbaolu Hospital for blood tests and another abdominal ultrasound. The doctor said the fibrosis is manageable and suggested monitoring it again in a y...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The ultrasound diagnosis of mild liver fibrosis is a very subjective statement (the objective assessment is through liver biopsy). Therefore, as long as you do not have hepatitis B or C, do not consume alcohol excessively, and have normal liver function, you do not n...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Next Steps
Can Cold Medications Be Safely Taken with Hepatitis B Treatment?
Can I use cold medications while on hepatitis B treatment? Hello Doctor: I am a chronic hepatitis B patient and started treatment with the oral medication "Baraclude" at the beginning of this year. I was taking one pill daily without any major issues. Recently, due to t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There should be no impact, and there will be no interactions; they can be used together. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Can Cold Medications Be Safely Taken with Hepatitis B Treatment?
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 Hepatitis B and C Testing After Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Hepatitis B and C testing? Hello Doctor: A year ago, our school arranged for us to undergo a health check, and my HBsAg was negative and HBsAb was negative. However, I recently went to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, and the doctor said I have mild fatty liver and rou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Hepatitis B has likely been ruled out, and Hepatitis C can be tested again. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C Testing After Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Understanding Liver Complications After Chemotherapy: A Patient's Journey
Liver lesions caused by chemotherapy? Hello, my father underwent surgical treatment for rectal cancer two years ago and was doing well. However, he experienced a recurrence two years later and was transferred to the hematology department at the same hospital. He has been taking o...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: I would like to discuss the reasons for liver function deterioration. Your attending physician must have pondered and searched for causes without success, which is why they responded that the cause of liver deterioration could not be identified. (1) Infection (bacterial, v...[Read More] Understanding Liver Complications After Chemotherapy: A Patient's Journey