Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody Results
Concerns If the test report shows that the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive and the hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) is also positive, it indicates that the individual has either recovered from a past hepatitis B infection and has developed immunity, or they...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, this indicates a hepatitis B infection, which may be due to low viral load or a transitional phase of seroconversion for the surface antibody. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Liu Li-Kuang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody Results
Why Liver Function Tests Increased After Taking Liver An-Neng?
Taking Liver An can lead to an increase in liver enzyme levels instead of a decrease? Hello Doctor: My husband is a carrier of hepatitis B without antibodies. In August of this year, his liver enzymes GOT and GPT were nearly 200. Upon retesting the same day, they decreased by abo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please visit the "Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Specialty Hospital Outpatient Clinic" immediately (bringing all your blood test results). Gan An Neng is no longer recommended as a first-line treatment! Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Sh...[Read More] Why Liver Function Tests Increased After Taking Liver An-Neng?
How Often Should You Get Hepatitis Screening: Annual vs. Biennial?
Hepatitis screening Is hepatitis screening required annually, or is it sufficient to check every two years? The company's medical consultant mentioned that screening every two years is adequate, but my understanding is that it should be done annually. Which one is correct? T...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Mei Mei: Only carriers of Hepatitis B or C need to be checked every six months. There is no standard interval for testing in individuals without Hepatitis B or C. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] How Often Should You Get Hepatitis Screening: Annual vs. Biennial?
Managing Hepatitis B: Nutritional Supplements and Liver Health
Care for Hepatitis B Carriers Hello, doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently have check-ups every six months at a clinic near my home to monitor my GOT/GPT levels and undergo ultrasound examinations. Recently, my GPT level was slightly elevated (100), but the doctor m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Nutritional supplements can be made in Taiwan and should be natural as long as they are not too expensive, but their effectiveness may be poor. For hepatitis B, liver-protective medications can be prescribed as long as there are abnormalities in liver function. Changh...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Nutritional Supplements and Liver Health
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound in 2003 that revealed a 1 cm hepatic hemangioma, which increased to 1.5 cm last year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Besides abdominal ultrasound, should I also have blood tests for Hepatitis B, H...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas typically present differently on abdominal ultrasound compared to liver cancer. If there are concerns, testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, is reasonable. Once it is confirmed that there is no hepatitis B or C, it is not nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Managing Medication for Hepatitis B Carriers with Kidney Issues
Medication issues Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. I am currently taking "Losacar (ARB) 50mg/tab" and "Forflow 400mg/tab" to manage my high urinary protein levels. I would like to ask if it is safe ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Ropivacaine is not suitable for patients with hepatitis (during an episode). Please discuss with your physician/pharmacist. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Managing Medication for Hepatitis B Carriers with Kidney Issues
Is Gan-Su-Neng Covered by Health Insurance for Gastrointestinal Issues?
Medications Is there health insurance coverage for the medication Dan Shen?
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, the conditional health insurance coverage for interferon is applied when patients with hepatitis B develop drug resistance after taking entecavir. Best regards, Dr. You Li-Kuang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Is Gan-Su-Neng Covered by Health Insurance for Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Hepatitis B Cure Standards: Key Markers Beyond E Antibody
Criteria for Hepatitis B Cure Hello Dr. Chen, In July 2007, I had a test for Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) at Kaohsiung County Gousheng Hospital, which showed a value of 1272. At the end of January this year, I had a follow-up test at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, and th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In general, surface antigens will remain positive for life and cannot be completely cured. If there are E antibodies and a self-paid test for HBV DNA shows low viral load, the individual is considered to be in a low-risk group; however, monitoring should still be conducted every ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Cure Standards: Key Markers Beyond E Antibody
Essential Monitoring Tests for Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver
Regular follow-up items for hepatitis B? Hello, I previously went for a hepatitis B check-up, but the report only listed two items: liver enzymes and alpha-fetoprotein. Since I am a carrier of hepatitis B and also have fatty liver, are these two tests sufficient? Should I also ch...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Liver enzymes refer to GOT/GPT. For fatty liver, it is important to monitor blood lipids, and for hepatitis B, regular ultrasound examinations are necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Essential Monitoring Tests for Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver
Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: A Case Study
Antimicrobial resistance My son is 24 years old and is studying for his master's degree in America. He is HBe positive and HBe negative. 1. He has been on lamivudine since January 2008. 2. On December 29, 2008, his lab results showed AST 31, ALT 46, and HBV-DNA approximate...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, for patients with chronic hepatitis B who have been on Lamivudine for one year and show an increase in viral load, there is a possibility of developing Lamivudine resistance. When Lamivudine resistance occurs, the current recommendation is to use Lamivudine in combination ...[Read More] Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: A Case Study
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: HBsAg and Anti-HBs Explained
Health check-up The recent health check report shows the following results: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is NEGATIVE (<0.54) and Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) is NEGATIVE (<1.8). What does this mean? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Young people often have received the hepatitis B vaccine, and after many years, the antibody levels may decrease to undetectable levels. Adults, on the other hand, may not have been vaccinated and have not been infected. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Che...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: HBsAg and Anti-HBs Explained
Understanding HBV Resistance: A Case Study in Treatment Challenges
HBV-DNA My son is 24 years old and studying for his master's degree in America. He is HBe positive and has a negative HBe antigen. He has been on lamivudine since January 2008. On December 29, 2008, his lab results showed AST 31, ALT 46, and HBV-DNA approximately 500 million...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. John: You may first check for HBV drug resistance (out-of-pocket, available only at a few medical centers). If drug resistance is present, you may consider switching medications (though there is a risk of developing resistance again) or, depending on the situation, swit...[Read More] Understanding HBV Resistance: A Case Study in Treatment Challenges
Can Adults Get Hepatitis B Vaccine Directly at the Hospital?
Can adults receive the hepatitis B vaccine directly? Hello Dr. Chen, I regularly donate blood and received the hepatitis B vaccine when I was younger. However, my recent blood donation report indicates that my immunity to hepatitis B is gradually diminishing. Can I come directly ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Kay: If it is necessary to maintain a high concentration of antibodies (such as for healthcare workers), an additional dose can be administered (approximately 300 NTD in cost, which should also be available at clinics). Antibody levels should be tested one month later. ...[Read More] Can Adults Get Hepatitis B Vaccine Directly at the Hospital?
Managing Pregnancy with Hepatitis B: Key Considerations for Expecting Parents
Treatment of Hepatitis B in Pregnancy Issues My wife has been taking (Beloc) for 6 months, and this month her pregnancy test showed that she is pregnant. Can the doctor confirm if it is safe to carry the baby to term? If so, what precautions should we take? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: It is generally not recommended to use medication during pregnancy, but there are few definitive reports of teratogenic effects. You may discuss this further with your obstetrician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Pregnancy with Hepatitis B: Key Considerations for Expecting Parents
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigens and Their Implications
Surface antigen Hello. I would like to ask about my positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (25.16) and positive surface antibody (23.26). What could be the reason for this? What results might occur in the future? Can the levels of the detected antibodies indicate the strength of th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Bao: The two should theoretically not coexist; they are likely caused by different subtypes of the hepatitis B virus. Please maintain a normal lifestyle and have regular follow-ups. Your health is a concern for Changhua Hospital. Best regards, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigens and Their Implications
Understanding Liver Shadows: Are They Always a Cause for Concern?
There is a shadow in the liver? I would like to ask about my sister-in-law (27 years old). She recently had a health check-up at a medical center, and an ultrasound revealed a shadow approximately 2 cm in size. However, she does not have hepatitis B or C, and her liver function i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Qi, Most liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B or C. Ultrasound can provide an initial differentiation, but regular monitoring of changes is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: Are They Always a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions on Viral Load and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B issues Hello Dr. Lin: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular check-ups every year. Earlier this year, I underwent tests, and the results showed that both GOT and GPT levels were normal, AFP was 2.7, e-antigen was negative, e-antibody was positive, and the abdo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The e antigen may turn negative again, but the chances are low. Those who have spontaneously cleared the e antigen are less likely to experience this. However, individuals who have received antiviral medication may have a chance of turning e antigen negative, although...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions on Viral Load and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Next Steps and Treatment Options
Elevated AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about my recent health check-up at work where I found that my AFP level is 97.75. I then went to the hospital for further examination, where they checked my GOT, GPT, and performed an ultrasound, as well as teste...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the high likelihood conditions associated with AFP include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, pregnancy, and other less common cancers related to the embryo. For hepatitis, it is important to identify the cause, such as viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, medications, a...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Next Steps and Treatment Options
Understanding HBV Viral Load: Key Questions for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Inquiry about Hepatitis B virus load? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups every year. In February of this year, I underwent testing, and my results were as follows: GOT was 22, GPT was 19, alpha-fetoprotein was 2.21, e-antigen was negative, e...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Wei: 1. It's not significant. Therefore, liver function is normal, and monitoring is sufficient. 2. Very few cases will revert. 3. Testing is only necessary when liver function is abnormal. 4. There should be no impact. Changhua Hospital cares about your health, Ch...[Read More] Understanding HBV Viral Load: Key Questions for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?
Abdominal ultrasound abnormalities? Hello~~~ Because my company has scheduled an annual health check, my liver function and Helicobacter pylori test results are normal. However, the hospital informed me that there are abnormalities in my abdominal ultrasound, and I have recently ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Pi: If the liver ultrasound shows only "mild hepatic parenchymal changes" and liver function is normal without hepatitis B or C, there are generally no significant issues. However, it is still advisable to consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialis...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Ultrasound Abnormalities: What to Do Next?