Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Immunity in Children
Quantitative measurement of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels? Dear Dr. Chen, Hello. My daughter recently underwent a school health check, and the results are as follows: - Hepatitis B surface antigen (quantitative): 0.9 (normal value is less than 1) - Hepatitis B sur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Sally: Hepatitis B antibodies provide permanent protective immunity, meaning they can offer long-term protection against Hepatitis B infection. There is no consensus on the need for booster vaccinations, as most individuals already have immune memory and retain protecti...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Immunity in Children
Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
"Diffuse" liver fibrosis Dear Dr. Li, Hello! My mother is 82 years old and had breast cancer surgery five years ago (without chemotherapy). She has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. She has been tested negative for hepatitis B, but has not been tested for hep...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Reply: Hello, regarding hepatitis, in Taiwan, chronic hepatitis B and C are still the most prevalent, particularly in the Chiayi and Tainan regions. When liver enzymes (AST/ALT) are elevated, it is essential to test for HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) and anti-HCV Ab (Hepatit...[Read More] Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is it necessary to immediately pay out of pocket for Belviq? Dear Dr. Lin, I previously self-paid for Hepa-Merz and did not develop any drug resistance, but after stopping the medication for about a year, I experienced a relapse. Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are (64/101 on Augus...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, liver enzyme levels are elevated, and viral load is high, indicating liver inflammation. It is advised to avoid excessive fatigue and to investigate the causes of liver inflammation. Treatment for hepatitis B, including oral antiviral medications or long-ac...[Read More] Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is Hepatitis B Vaccination Effective After Negative Antigen Tests?
Hepatitis B antigen and antibody I would like to inquire: If both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody are negative, but there was a previous diagnosis of hepatitis B carrier status, is it still effective to receive the vaccine? Will it still produce antibodies for 15 yea...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello JP6: Based on your description, if the hepatitis B antigen was previously positive and subsequent tests show a negative result, it is possible that you have fully recovered. If your hepatitis B antibodies are negative, it is recommended that you receive the hepatitis B vacc...[Read More] Is Hepatitis B Vaccination Effective After Negative Antigen Tests?
Is Self-Paying Treatment for Mild Hepatitis B Fibrosis Worth It?
Hepatitis B treatment? Dr. Lin's Inquiry: If a 50-year-old patient with hepatitis B has normal liver function and only mild fibrosis (the doctor described it as "a bit coarse"), and does not meet the treatment reimbursement criteria set by the National Health Insur...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.[Read More] Is Self-Paying Treatment for Mild Hepatitis B Fibrosis Worth It?
Should Hepatitis B Patients Pursue Aggressive Treatment Early?
Should patients with hepatitis B receive active treatment? Dr. Lin, I would like to ask: Should patients with hepatitis B undergo proactive treatment before the onset of symptoms, even if it requires out-of-pocket expenses (as one physician suggested), or should they wait until l...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Currently, for the treatment of hepatitis B, if liver function is normal or slightly abnormal with GPT levels less than twice the normal value, it is recommended to actively treat patients over 40 years old with severe liver fibrosis or those with cirrhosis and high viral ...[Read More] Should Hepatitis B Patients Pursue Aggressive Treatment Early?
Why Didn't I Develop Antibodies After Hepatitis B Vaccination?
No antibodies after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, Dr. Chen! I received the hepatitis B vaccine three times during middle school, but I was told that I did not produce antibodies and that I do not need to receive any more doses. I have a few questions: (1) Why do my cl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Monk: The production of antibodies following vaccination is a response of the human immune system. However, a small percentage of individuals may not generate antibodies in response to certain antigens. This could be due to the immune system's inability to recogniz...[Read More] Why Didn't I Develop Antibodies After Hepatitis B Vaccination?
Do I Need a Third Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Positive for Antibodies?
Hepatitis B vaccine Doctor, I previously had blood tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, surface antibody, and core antibody, all of which were negative. After receiving two doses of the vaccine, I had antibodies detected in my blood. Do I still need to receive the third dose of...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Hua, Currently, there is no need for you to receive a third dose of the vaccine. Given your age, you should have already received the hepatitis B vaccination as a child. Your body may have developed immunity to hepatitis B long ago, which is maintained by memory ...[Read More] Do I Need a Third Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Positive for Antibodies?
Managing Chronic Inflammation: Tips for Liver, Stomach, and Throat Health
Chronic inflammation Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and I have chronic inflammation in my liver, stomach, esophagus, and throat. I am deeply troubled by this chronic inflammation and my overall health is not good. I am unsure how to treat it. Please give me some advi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao: There should be no direct relationship between being a carrier of hepatitis B and gastrointestinal issues. If you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for examination and treatment to manage it. Dr. Chen Shih-Tien from...[Read More] Managing Chronic Inflammation: Tips for Liver, Stomach, and Throat Health
Managing Liver Health for Shift Workers: Tips and Insights
Shift work issues Hello, doctor. My job requires shift work with a high frequency of rotation, working six days and then having two days off. After each break, I switch shifts in the order of night → afternoon → morning. I have been doing this for four years, and I noticed that m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In fact, liver function is not absolutely related to staying up late. However, for individuals who already have liver function issues, particularly those with hepatitis B or C, staying up late may more easily lead to an increase in liver function indices. On the other hand...[Read More] Managing Liver Health for Shift Workers: Tips and Insights
Understanding Your Hepatitis B DNA Test Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?
Hepatitis B DNA Test Report Hello Doctor, I have hepatitis B. I had an acute phase a year and a half ago, with liver enzyme levels reaching two thousand and a viral load of 4 million. After receiving treatment with Baraclude, my levels returned to normal about a month later (and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: This means that the viral load is very low (IUL and copies are results in different units of measurement), but since they are within the margin of error, 40 and 13.1 are approximately the same. The medication is still very effective, so please continue to follow your ...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B DNA Test Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?
Switching Hepatitis B Monitoring: What You Need to Know
Regular monitoring for hepatitis B carriers? I have been regularly undergoing hepatitis B carrier check-ups and follow-ups at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Each time, the process involves first registering for an outpatient visit, then having blood drawn and an ultrasound perform...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B carriers need to be monitored regularly, approximately every 6 months. It is better to have reference data, such as HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, Anti-HCV, and the most recent results for GOT, GPT, AFP, along with an abdominal ultrasound report and any relevant m...[Read More] Switching Hepatitis B Monitoring: What You Need to Know
Should I Treat High Viral Load with Medication Despite Allergies?
Hepatitis B e antigen positive with a viral load of 800 million. GTP and GOT levels are normal. Should treatment be initiated? I am 40 years old this year and I am positive for hepatitis B e-antigen with a viral load of 800 million. My serum e-antigen level is 1452, and my GTP (G...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: (1) The e antigen is positive, liver function tests are normal, and the viral load is high. It is recommended to consider the degree of liver fibrosis in the patient and whether there is cirrhosis. Continued monitoring is advised, and understanding the effects of pharmacol...[Read More] Should I Treat High Viral Load with Medication Despite Allergies?
Key Questions on Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
Questions regarding the treatment of Hepatitis B? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B a year and a half ago. Currently, my liver function tests and ultrasound results are normal, but I have a gallbladder polyp (0.5 cm), and my surface antigen is still positive. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. The chance of surface antigen turning negative is very low (<5%), usually occurring when the e antigen turns negative or after 3 years of maintaining the upper limit. 2. The recurrence rate remains over 30%, although it tends to decrease with longer duration....[Read More] Key Questions on Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Naturally Recover? Insights for Expecting Mothers
Can a hepatitis B carrier heal on their own? I am a 37-year-old pregnant woman who previously did not have a regular check-up routine. During my university entrance examination at the age of 18, I was clearly tested positive for being a carrier of hepatitis B. However, in the rec...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible to check for HBsAb, the hepatitis B antibody. A small number of hepatitis B infected individuals and carriers may produce hepatitis B antibodies indicating improvement, while some may have undetectable levels of HBsAg due to very low quantities. 2. Cu...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Naturally Recover? Insights for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health
Elevated r-GT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) levels? Today, I had a medical examination where my results showed GOT at 50, GPT at 59, total bilirubin at 1.54, uric acid at 7.4, and total cholesterol at 213, with all other values normal. I am also not a carrier of hepatitis B or C. ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated r-GT and GPT levels indicate liver inflammation, with fatty liver being a common clinical cause. Fatty liver may be associated with alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or exposure to chemicals. It is recommended to address the underlying causes...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health
Concerns About Liver Health: Notable Right Rib Bulge and Symptoms
The area near the lower edge of the right rib cage is noticeably more protruded than the left side? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been monitoring my condition with ultrasound and blood tests every six months. Recently, I noticed a protrusion on the right ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please undergo an ultrasound examination within a reasonable timeframe to rule out the possibility of a liver tumor, so you can have peace of mind. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Concerns About Liver Health: Notable Right Rib Bulge and Symptoms
Does Weight Affect the Efficacy of Baraclude in Treating Hepatitis B?
Beclomethasone treatment for hepatitis B? After taking Baraclude 0.5 mg for the treatment of hepatitis B for two years, with positive e-antigen and detectable viral load, does a body weight of 90 kg affect the efficacy of the medication? Should I consider self-paying to increase ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Please observe a series of changes in viral load. If there is no increase and only a slow decrease, medication can be continued (the health insurance does not currently allow for 1mg under these circumstances). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Does Weight Affect the Efficacy of Baraclude in Treating Hepatitis B?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
Hepatitis B Monitoring and Treatment Hello Dr. Lin, I have had HBV for a long time. Last year at this time, I was in the acute phase. My liver enzymes reached over 2000, and the viral load was about 4 million. I received treatment with Baraclude 0.5 mg. My condition improved sign...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The resistance to Beclabuvir is not high; in patients who have not previously taken other oral antiviral medications, the resistance rate is only 1% to 3% over five years. 2. The timing for discontinuation of the medication should be discussed with your physician. T...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
How to Schedule an Appointment for Hepatitis B Testing?
How do I make an appointment to check for hepatitis B? My boyfriend mentioned that there seems to be a hereditary case of hepatitis B in his family, which prevents him from donating blood. Therefore, I would like to take him to the hospital for testing to see if he is a carrier o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please visit the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology at a medium to large hospital. If you have any previous medical records, please bring them along. Generally, most services are covered by health insurance, while vaccines and related tests are self-pai...[Read More] How to Schedule an Appointment for Hepatitis B Testing?