Managing Concurrent Hepatitis A and B: High Bilirubin and Vomiting Solutions
The patient is a carrier of hepatitis B and has recently contracted hepatitis A, resulting in a bilirubin level elevated to 15? Dear Dr. Yang, my current health issue is that I am a carrier of Hepatitis B and have recently contracted Hepatitis A, which has caused my bilirubin lev...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. A, Your infection is treatable; however, your bilirubin level is quite high at 15, which may be contributing to your nausea and vomiting. I recommend that you consult your clinician for some antiemetic medication to help alleviate your symptoms. If your bilirubin level ...[Read More] Managing Concurrent Hepatitis A and B: High Bilirubin and Vomiting Solutions
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Decisions and Health Concerns
After three years of taking Baraclude, issues related to hepatitis B treatment? Hello Dr. Lin, three years ago I had an acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000. An ultrasound showed no tumors. After taking Baraclude for a month or two, my liver enzymes...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. For patients with chronic hepatitis B who exhibit significant inflammation or high levels of viral replication, consideration should be given to pharmacological treatment. Treatment options include antiviral medications or interferon. The interferon treatment regimen ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Decisions and Health Concerns
Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Insights and Concerns
Belantamab mafodotin has developed resistance? 1. The doctor mentioned there are two methods: one is to add liver function support, or switch to the latest hepatitis B medication (entecavir, brand name: Viread). 2. I would like to ask, since I have been taking medication since 2...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The biggest challenge in the treatment of hepatitis B is drug resistance. So far, Tenofovir and Entecavir are considered to have low resistance rates. In the case of Entecavir, there has been no evidence of drug resistance in the five-year studies conducted to date. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding Liver Health: Do Ultrasound Results Guarantee No Issues?
Liver problems..? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about liver issues. If a liver ultrasound shows normal results for hepatitis A, B, C, or other liver diseases, does that mean the liver is normal and there are no problems?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A healthy liver must have: (1) normal liver enzymes (AST/ALT); (2) normal liver parenchyma on ultrasound (no fibrosis/no cirrhosis/no fatty liver); (3) no chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B/hepatitis C/autoimmune hepatitis/copper or iron deposition, etc.). Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do Ultrasound Results Guarantee No Issues?
Best Liver Supplements for Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: A Guide
Hepatitis B carrier Hello Dr. Chen: My husband is currently 34 years old and is a carrier of hepatitis B. Recently, he has been experiencing symptoms such as shoulder and neck pain, fatigue, bad breath, lower back pain, memory decline, and dark yellow urine due to work-related st...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, the efficacy of Xu Lingqi has not been confirmed; it is merely a food product. The price varies based on individual choices, but it is harmless. It is most important to first return for a check-up before deciding whether to use any medication. Changhua Hospital cares about...[Read More] Best Liver Supplements for Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers: A Guide
Can Hepatitis B e Antigen Turn Negative Without Treatment?
Regarding e antigen? Is it possible for the e antigen to become negative without pharmacological treatment?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Gladylei, the E antigen is a protein produced by the virus. As the patient's immune system strengthens, it suppresses the virus or the virus may mutate, leading to a loss of the ability to produce the E antigen. This can result in a negative E antigen status. However, ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B e Antigen Turn Negative Without Treatment?
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels and Hepatitis B Antibody Testing
Liver dysfunction Hello, Doctor: 1. Regarding my serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) level, which is 57 (reference range 0-55), if it is only slightly above the normal range by 2, is it likely that this is just a minor elevation in liver enzymes? 2. I have already vi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The antibodies produced by the hepatitis B vaccine are not permanently effective. Research indicates that some individuals who received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth may not have detectable hepatitis B antibodies by adolescence and may even lose immune memory. If antibo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels and Hepatitis B Antibody Testing
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: What You Need to Know
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, I received my health check report today, and one of the tests was for liver function, specifically the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test. My result was 57 (reference range 0-55), which is abnormal. W...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Elevated GPT levels indicate the presence of hepatitis. If there are no physical discomforts, it is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, have a balanced and moderate diet with low fat intake, and reduce the use of unnecessary medications. Aft...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: What You Need to Know
Discrepancies in Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
The reports on hepatitis B vary? I apologize, but I would like to ask about a situation where I was diagnosed with Hepatitis B (positive for surface antigen) at the first hospital, but a second hospital conducted tests and reported everything as normal (indicating no Hepatitis B)...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello: There are many possibilities, and we need to see the report to know for sure. It is recommended to consult a physician in the outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Discrepancies in Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Coexistence in Carriers
Hepatitis B antigen issues? In the case of a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive carrier, it is possible to have positive antibodies as well. If both HBsAg and antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) are present simultaneously, it typically indicates a phase...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello amy_wang44, a positive antigen test indicates the presence of the pathogen (the infected individual), and there will be no antibodies unless the person develops natural immunity that leads to the disappearance of the antigen and the production of antibodies, which means rec...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Coexistence in Carriers
How Long Does It Take to Develop Antibodies After Hepatitis B Vaccination?
Hepatitis B antibody issues? After completing the full hepatitis B vaccination series, antibodies typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Generally, antibodies are produced within 3 to 6 months, but there are cases where they only appear after a year of blood testing. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Develop Antibodies After Hepatitis B Vaccination?
Understanding Fetal Protein Levels in Hepatobiliary Health Management
Fetal protein Hello Doctor: I have been taking Baraclude for six months, but my fetal protein level has increased from 6.X to 8.89! Does this mean my condition is not well controlled? I will be returning to Taoyuan in July; can I schedule an appointment with you for consultation ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The use of oral antiviral medications can improve liver function, liver enzyme levels, and reduce viral load. Reports indicate that taking Baraclude for 3 to 5 years can improve fibrosis. If the medication is taken for only six months, any improvement can be assessed ...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Protein Levels in Hepatobiliary Health Management
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Confusion Over Standard Values and Next Steps
What should I do? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you again. Are the standard values different for various instruments used to test for hepatitis B? My hepatitis B surface antigen value is 0.09, which is positive, and my surface antibody is 5.34, which is negative. According t...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Please have your blood tested for hepatitis B surface antigen again in six months, or you may opt for a self-paid test to check for the presence of hepatitis B DNA virus in your blood (approximately NT$2000 per test) to clarify that there is no virus in your bloodstream. Theoreti...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Confusion Over Standard Values and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide an appropriate response. Could you please provide more details about your situation? I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen with a value of 0.09. The hepatitis B surface antibody was 5.34, which is considered negative....
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello: Regarding your test results, there may be a laboratory error (which is why the surface antigen is less than 1.0, indicating a negative reference value). Based on experience, it seems you may have insufficient antibody response after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine (with ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interpreting Your Test Results and Next Steps
Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
About Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for asking again after my previous questions. Thank you for your response. My father is 61 years old and has recently been diagnosed with fatty liver and a 1.2 cm indeterminate liver tumor. However, his liver fun...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The most common benign tumors of the liver are hemangiomas or liver cysts, which can usually be diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). If the diagnosis cannot be confirmed, the main recommendation is to monitor the condition (generally advised ...[Read More] Understanding Uncertain Liver Tumors: Insights on CT Scans and Fatty Liver
Understanding Liver Surface Irregularities: When to Seek Further Ultrasound Evaluation
Ultrasound examination Hello Dr. Yang! I previously had an ultrasound examination, and the doctor mentioned that the surface of my liver is rough. What does this indicate? Is there a need for further follow-up examinations?
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Yang: The term "coarse surface of the liver" refers to the appearance of the liver seen on ultrasound, which has a rough texture. This is a descriptive term used in ultrasound findings. If you do not have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, it is mostly just a phe...[Read More] Understanding Liver Surface Irregularities: When to Seek Further Ultrasound Evaluation
Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment: The Role of GOT, GPT, and Viral Load
Treatment for Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Chen! Is there a positive correlation between GOT, GPT, and viral load? For patients with hepatitis B, which is more important when considering treatment? If both GOT and GPT are normal but the viral load is high, should treatment be initiated?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai, There is no positive correlation between GOT/GPT levels and viral load; however, both factors need to be considered when initiating treatment. Therefore, the National Health Insurance Administration has established guidelines that allow for the commencement of an...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment: The Role of GOT, GPT, and Viral Load
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Dosage for Immunocompromised Patients
Issues related to the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor: Regarding the hepatitis B vaccine ENGERIX® B, one of the usage instructions states that for patients with renal impairment, including those undergoing hemodialysis, the recommended primary immunization...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Sally, theoretically, it is not necessary and offers no benefits, but it does not cause harm either. Only individuals with impaired immune function and those who need to go to the front lines in the short term (who cannot receive a third dose) should consider a temporary do...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Dosage for Immunocompromised Patients
Understanding the Protective Power of Hepatitis B Antibodies
The protective efficacy of hepatitis B antibodies? Hello, doctor. Is it true that individuals with positive hepatitis B antibodies (and negative antigens) can effectively maintain immunity regardless of the amount of hepatitis B virus they are exposed to? Hepatitis B antibodies c...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. For individuals who have recovered from natural infection, their antibody efficacy generally lasts a lifetime. In contrast, after vaccination, antibodies may wane within 5 to 10 years. If memory cells are still present at that time, exposure to the virus will trigger im...[Read More] Understanding the Protective Power of Hepatitis B Antibodies
Safety of Hepatitis B Vaccine: Understanding Recombinant Technology and Risks
The safety of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, doctor: May I ask if the current genetically engineered hepatitis B vaccine (brand GSK) is simply a recombinant form of the hepatitis B surface antigen and does not contain the virus? Would receiving multiple doses have any adverse ef...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Liu, there is no danger, but it is not necessary to visit Changhua Hospital frequently in the short term. Dr. Chen Shidian is concerned about your health.[Read More] Safety of Hepatitis B Vaccine: Understanding Recombinant Technology and Risks