Hepatitis B, Gastroenterology and Hepatology FAQ - Page 28

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High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier

Please stabilize the HBsAg index, which is very high? Doctor, I recently received my health check results, and my HBsAg level is 7186, which is very high. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but my other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, and AFP, are all normal. An abdominal u...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A high HBsAg index only indicates that the viral load may be higher (this is often the case in young individuals). Please confirm whether HBsAg is positive and continue with follow-up. Staying up late is a common saying; when you feel fatigued and sleepy, it's be...

[Read More] High HBsAg Levels: What You Need to Know as a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier


Managing Hepatitis B in a 36-Year-Old Patient: Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage

36-year-old patient with hepatitis B? Hello, recently I had tests showing GOT 46, GPT 163, e-antigen negative, e-antibody positive, AFP 4, and HBV DNA 257,000 copies/ml (44,147 IU/ml). What treatment do you recommend? Is long-acting interferon covered by health insurance, and doe...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. You must have a GPT > 80 for more than three months and exclude causes such as hepatitis C before applying for health insurance coverage for interferon or antiviral medications. 2. The immune clearance period can last for several years, so there is no need to wo...

[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B in a 36-Year-Old Patient: Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage


How Long Does Hepatitis B Vaccine Immunity Last?

After receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? How long can the hepatitis B antibodies last after vaccination? Thank you.


Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, after receiving all three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, over 95% of individuals will develop antibodies. These antibodies may diminish after ten years or more. There are two scenarios regarding the disappearance of antibodies: one possibility is that the immune memory ...

[Read More] How Long Does Hepatitis B Vaccine Immunity Last?


How Long After 3 Hepatitis B Vaccines Do Antibodies Develop?

Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine? After receiving three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, antibodies typically develop within 1 to 2 months. Thank you.


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, generally after receiving three doses of the vaccine, antibody testing can be conducted one month later. Best wishes, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

[Read More] How Long After 3 Hepatitis B Vaccines Do Antibodies Develop?


Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Right upper quadrant discomfort? Hello, I would like to ask about a persistent dull ache and occasional sharp pain in my right upper abdomen near the ribs. I have been a regular blood donor and do not have hepatitis B or C, but I do have fatty liver and am overweight. I had an ul...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Right upper quadrant pain can have differential diagnoses including musculoskeletal issues, pleural diseases, gastrointestinal problems, liver and biliary conditions, as well as kidney and adrenal gland disorders. Normal liver function tests generally refer to normal ...

[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Solutions


Do Hepatitis B Vaccines Generate Antibodies in Existing HBV Patients?

Antibody Confusion If someone has hepatitis B, will they produce antibodies after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? Thank you for your answer.


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, patients with chronic hepatitis B have HBsAg: positive and HBsAb: negative, indicating that they are infected with hepatitis B but are unable to produce antibodies. Therefore, hepatitis B carriers will not produce antibodies after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. Wishing...

[Read More] Do Hepatitis B Vaccines Generate Antibodies in Existing HBV Patients?


Understanding Liver Health: Tips for Managing Elevated Enzymes and Weight Loss

What is happening to my liver? I always thought my health was good, but recently I went to the family medicine clinic downstairs for a blood test. I was shocked when I saw the report. My AST and ALT levels were 4X and 5X the normal range; my triglycerides were even more alarming ...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: You have alcoholic and metabolic fatty liver disease. As long as you focus on weight loss, eat less, exercise more, and avoid alcohol, it is not necessary to take liver supplements. This will help improve your liver function and blood lipid levels. Changhua Hospital c...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Tips for Managing Elevated Enzymes and Weight Loss


Do I Need Another Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Negative for Antibodies?

Please ask your question? I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was young, but during a blood test in fifth grade, it showed that I had no antibodies. I also underwent core testing at the hospital, which also indicated no antibodies. However, the doctor mentioned that white b...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, regarding the above situation, it may be advisable to receive an additional dose. If antibodies are detected one month later, it would indicate that memory cells are still present. However, if antibodies are not detected, it would suggest that immunity has been lost, and t...

[Read More] Do I Need Another Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Negative for Antibodies?


Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease

The correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver disease? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you some professional questions. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-up examinations every six months. My liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, HBeAg, and bilirub...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. There is no correlation between hepatitis B and fatty liver. 2. Fatty liver is due to metabolic insufficiency and typically does not cause liver "inflammation." 3. Please engage in weight loss and exercise to promote metabolism and monitor hepatitis B. Ch...

[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Disease


Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health

HBsAg - Hepatitis B surface antigen Hello, doctor. May I ask if HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) can change? I previously had acute hepatitis, but my liver enzyme levels are now approaching normal (GOT: 40, GPT: 60). However, the report shows that HBsAg is positive at 4318. Wh...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A positive HBsAg indicates that you are a carrier of hepatitis B (have hepatitis B). Please also test for HBeAg and follow up with a gastroenterologist to determine whether antiviral medication is needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health


Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns

Hepatitis B and Acne Issues Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000 and bilirubin levels around 9. The doctor said I am currently recovering well. During my follow-up visit two weeks ago, my liver enzyme le...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Ultrasound can be used to check for any abnormalities in the liver and gallbladder, as well as the presence of ascites. It is generally recommended to follow up every six months to a year for chronic hepatitis, and every three to six months for cirrhosis. The frequenc...

[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns


Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations

Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if the AST and ALT liver function tests are what is commonly referred to as GOT and GPT? Last week, my blood test results were 63 and 108. The doctor mentioned that I have fatty liver (without hepatitis B or C and no history o...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. AST = GOT; ALT = GPT. 2. The main treatment for fatty liver is weight loss and exercise; certain diabetes medications can also be helpful, primarily due to metabolic syndrome. Liver-protective medications and clam extract have limited benefits. 3. Ultrasound ha...

[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations


Exploring the Health Benefits of Artichokes for Liver Health

Artichoke Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you if there are any relevant studies or clinical research reports regarding artichokes in medicine and their impact on health. What benefits do artichokes have for liver diseases and liver protection? Since my father is a carrier of ...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Since artichoke is classified as a traditional Chinese medicine, please consult a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Lin Ming-Hui from the Taoyuan Hospital of the Health Department will respond on behalf. Wishing you good hea...

[Read More] Exploring the Health Benefits of Artichokes for Liver Health


Understanding Acute Hepatitis: Symptoms and Medication Side Effects

Can acute hepatitis lead to other complications? Hello Doctor, I am currently in the acute phase of hepatitis B and I am taking Baraclude (Entecavir) 0.5 mg and Ursodesoxycholic acid 10. The doctor advised me to use contraception during the treatment, but I have noticed that my s...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: There are no reports on this aspect in the literature; it may only be an indirect or coincidental relationship. It is recommended to monitor the situation and also treat hepatitis B. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.

[Read More] Understanding Acute Hepatitis: Symptoms and Medication Side Effects


Why Does Viral Load Increase After Successful Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B?

Why does the viral load increase significantly after interferon treatment, even after the HBeAg becomes negative? Dear Dr. Lin, I am a carrier of hepatitis B with positive e-antigen (transmitted from my mother). I discovered in mid-2008 that my liver began to show signs of infla...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In patients with hepatitis B, after six months of interferon treatment, the rate of e-antigen seroconversion is approximately 30%. The rate of HBV-DNA < 5 x 10^5 copies/ml and normal ALT levels is about 24%. The benefits of interferon treatment include no developme...

[Read More] Why Does Viral Load Increase After Successful Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B?


Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Care Tips for Your Partner

Hepatitis B Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask a question. My girlfriend's test results show that she has hepatitis B. If we engage in sexual intercourse without using a condom, what is the likelihood of me getting infected? My test results show HBsAg (-0.425) and anti-HBs (...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: You have already developed antibodies against Hepatitis B! Wishing you happiness and joy!! (You may discuss that aspect with the urology department.) Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Care Tips for Your Partner


Understanding Hepatitis B: Do I Have the Virus?

excuse me? Dear Doctor: I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for surface antibodies on August 14 at the municipal hospital. Then, on September 21, I tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for surface antibodies at Chimei Hospital. D...


Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, this indicates that you have had hepatitis B, and the spontaneous loss of surface antibodies means that you have developed antibodies, providing you with immunity against the hepatitis B virus. Wishing you good health. Dr. You Li-Guang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Heal...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Do I Have the Virus?


Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps

Liver fibrosis Hello, doctor: Recently, my mother was diagnosed with liver fibrosis at the hospital. However, we are still waiting for the blood test results to evaluate further. A few days later, when my mother returned for a follow-up, the doctor told her that since it is only ...


Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, to address liver fibrosis, it is essential to identify the underlying cause in order to provide appropriate treatment. Currently, there are no medications that can immediately improve fibrosis. Common causes include chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune liver diseas...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps


Do I Need Another Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Negative for Antibodies?

Please ask your question? I received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was young, but during a blood test in fifth grade, it showed that I had no antibodies. I also underwent core testing at the hospital, which confirmed the absence of antibodies. However, the doctor mentioned that ...


Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the hepatitis B vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. Since it is an inactivated vaccine, antibody levels may decline significantly after several years post-vaccination, but this does not necessarily mean that protection is lost, as memory cells in the body can produce antibod...

[Read More] Do I Need Another Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Negative for Antibodies?


Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family

Hepatitis B antibody testing in children? Hello Dr. Chen: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B 17 years ago during a blood donation. Does having hepatitis B mean that I am a carrier? Can it be transmitted to those who share meals with me, or to my spouse or children? Over the past fe...


Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Having hepatitis B means you are a carrier. 2. If you are a carrier, you need to be monitored every six months. 3. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, not through food or drink. 4. Children can be tested first, and they can also undergo sch...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Precautions for Your Family


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