Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Hepatitis B medications Hello, Dr. Hsu. I have stomach cancer and my weight is on the lower side. My GPT is over 500. What kind of treatment should I undergo? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, your GPT is over 500, which is considered high. I’m not sure if you have recently undergone an e-antigen test. Do you have the report for the E antibody? Have you also had a test for the hepatitis B virus load, specifically HBV DNA? Additionally, have you been tested for h...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Diarrhea accompanied by weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to consult you regarding my mother's health issues. Here is a brief overview of her condition: My mother is 58 years old and has a history of breast cancer, for which she underwent bilateral mastectomy and has...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Yali: 1. There is a low correlation with the liver, but regular ultrasound examinations (every 6 months) are still recommended. 2. It is advised to visit a gastroenterology clinic for stool tests and medication, and then consider a colonoscopy. 3. Irritable bowel ...[Read More] Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Understanding Hepatitis B: Confirming Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Hepatitis B issues Hello, Dr. Hsu! I would like to ask if a positive result for the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a blood test confirms the presence of Hepatitis B. Is there a need for additional tests to confirm this?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, yes, it is not necessary, but we still need to continue monitoring liver function tests, specifically AST, ALT, and alpha-fetoprotein.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Confirming Diagnosis with Blood Tests
Understanding Liver Shadows: What They Mean for Your Health
Liver issues? If there has been no prior infection with hepatitis B or C, and a recent ultrasound examination revealed a shadow in the liver, with additional blood tests currently being conducted, what would be your preliminary assessment, Dr. Hsieh? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, there are many possible causes for the shadow, which may include hemangiomas, cysts, or uneven fat distribution. Since I have not seen the ultrasound myself, I cannot assess the nature of the shadow online, and we will need to wait for the blood test results.[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: What They Mean for Your Health
Understanding Hepatitis B: When to Test for Viral DNA and Consider Treatment
Hepatitis B treatment The e-antigen has been positive for many years; GPT is elevated to twice the normal value. Should viral DNA be tested? Is medication necessary?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the current consensus on the treatment of hepatitis B, patients with ALT levels that remain normal or slightly elevated (less than 2 times the normal value) are not recommended for treatment, but should be monitored with follow-up examinations every 3 to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: When to Test for Viral DNA and Consider Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Hepatitis B testing Hello Dr. Chen: Last October, I had a test regarding hepatitis B, and the results showed that the hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and the hepatitis B surface antibody was 86.6. Since a classmate just received the hepatitis B vaccine, their antibody le...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, for individuals who have received the hepatitis B vaccine, a portion of patients may experience a decline in antibodies to undetectable levels (resulting in a negative test). In such cases, a booster shot is recommended, which is an out-of-pocket expense. If antibodies are...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Re-evaluating abnormal aminoacyl transferase levels? I apologize for asking you again about the abnormality of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Recently, during a health check at my company, my GGT level was found to be abnormal at 104. However, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatic hemangioma is 0.6 cm in size, which is small, but it requires monitoring. The ultrasound shows typical characteristics of the hemangioma. Due to the small size of the tumor, ultrasound is a better tool for follow-up. Generally, clinical guidelines recommen...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
The GPT index remains consistently high? The health check revealed that liver enzyme levels have consistently been above 200. I have undergone a self-paid liver examination package, which showed no hepatitis A, B, or C; I have antibodies for hepatitis B, no alcoholic liver diseas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in Western countries, second only to viral hepatitis, and is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Is Hepatitis B Treatment with ETV Covered by Insurance in Taiwan?
Hepatitis B Is the medication ETV (Entecavir) for the treatment of hepatitis B covered by health insurance? Is it effective? I heard online that health insurance coverage was opened in August this year. Does Hsinchu Hospital have this medication?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, the treatment medications for hepatitis B are divided into two main categories. One category is interferons, which have antiviral, anti-proliferative, and immunomodulatory effects. The other category consists of oral nucleos(t)ide analogs; currently, there are four types a...[Read More] Is Hepatitis B Treatment with ETV Covered by Insurance in Taiwan?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Key Questions and Answers for Parents
Hepatitis B vaccine issues Dear Doctor: My daughter, who is a first-year junior high school student, underwent a health check-up and tested negative for both hepatitis B antibodies and antigens. It is recommended that she receive the hepatitis B vaccine, but there is conflicting ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin: Antibody titers may decrease over time, leading to a negative result; however, immune memory generally remains. If you receive a booster shot, we can check for a rapid increase in titers 2-4 weeks later. Changhua Hospital cares about you. Sincerely, Chen Shi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Key Questions and Answers for Parents
Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Abnormalities of transaminases? Hello, I recently had a health check-up at my company and my results showed an abnormal level of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 104. The other results were as follows: GTP: 18, SGOT: 23, direct bilirubin (D-BIL): 0.2, total bilirubin (T-BIL): ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can be found in biliary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and other tissues such as the kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. GGT, also known as the alcohol index, can be used to assess alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, if alkaline phosphat...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glutamyl Transferase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Should I Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine After 20 Years as a Carrier?
Hepatitis B carrier I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over 20 years. Since I was a university student, I have been unable to donate blood (the blood donation center informed me that I am a hepatitis B carrier). In the past decade, my cases have mostly been monitored at Chi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang, It is likely a case of low concentration HBsAg, which has resulted in a false negative for HBsAg. You just need to be monitored. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Best regards, Chen Shidian[Read More] Should I Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine After 20 Years as a Carrier?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Hepatitis B vaccine issues? Hello Dr. Hsu, I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B vaccination. Recently, after a company health check, it was found that the results showed no hepatitis B surface antibodies (I also went to the Veterans General Hospital for a check-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. This situation is quite common and can occur in two scenarios. The first is that most people do not get tested for antibody production after receiving vaccinations in childhood, so it is possible that despite being vaccinated, due to individual variations in physiolog...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Antibody Absence and Next Steps
Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Cirrhosis What should a physician's attention be focused on during the early stages of cirrhosis? What dietary considerations should be taken into account? What symptoms may present with this condition? Is there a possibility for complete recovery from this disease? If not, ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Early-stage cirrhosis patients often have no symptoms and normal liver function. There are no specific dietary restrictions, but it is recommended to consume more natural foods, avoid foods with chemical additives, eat nutritious foods, refrain from alcohol and smokin...[Read More] Understanding Early Signs and Dietary Tips for Cirrhosis Management
Understanding Hepatitis B: Is Normal Liver Function Enough?
Hepatitis B I would like to ask if having normal liver function test results means that my Hepatitis B status is also normal? Is there a correlation between normal liver function and Hepatitis B, or do I need to go to the hospital for further testing? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, normal liver function indicates that there is currently no inflammation in the liver. To check for hepatitis B, it is necessary to test for HBsAg and HBsAb in the blood. Most carriers of hepatitis B are asymptomatic. Liver enzyme levels may be normal, but carriers need lif...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Is Normal Liver Function Enough?
Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Liver disease Hepatitis is commonly referred to as "big goat" and "small goat," which are colloquial terms for different types of hepatitis. Generally, individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as those who practice safe hygiene a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Zeng Yongjun. In fact, in medicine, there is no such terminology as "big three yang" or "small three yang." Are you referring to hepatitis B? If so, hepatitis B can still be transmitted to others. If you are a hepatitis B carrier and your blood tests po...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis: Who is Safe from Infection?
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Gallbladder polyps Dr. Lin: I apologize for bothering you again. I had an abdominal ultrasound last week, which showed a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp, and I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In your response on July 14, you mentioned that the ultrasound indicated "cholesterol or ade...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, cholesterol polyps are brighter, more regular, and multiple. Your polyp is small, regular, but not very bright. Currently, only one is observed, and it does not appear malignant at this time, but it needs to be monitored. It is generally recommended to remo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Gallbladder polyp Dr. Lin: Hello, my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B. He had an abdominal ultrasound yesterday, which showed a gallbladder polyp measuring 0.37 cm. I would like to ask: 1. Since it is a single polyp and not multiple, is there a possibility that it could be mal...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Most gallbladder polyps are benign, while malignant polyps are generally larger, usually greater than 1 cm, and tend to have an irregular shape, sometimes accompanied by changes in the gallbladder wall. 2. Ultrasound monitoring is the most convenient examination; occasi...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Managing Severe Body Pain After Taking Belarac: Effective Relief Strategies
After taking Beloc, I am experiencing severe muscle and joint pain throughout my body. Are there any methods to alleviate this? Dr. Li: Hello! Thank you for your response to my inquiry on June 30. I started taking Belak (Baclofen) on June 27. About 4 to 5 days later, I began expe...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Yy, While Belac is mentioned to potentially cause side effects such as headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and indigestion, the actual incidence of these symptoms is quite low. Currently, among patients receiving treatment with Belac, very few have reported any discomfort. Regar...[Read More] Managing Severe Body Pain After Taking Belarac: Effective Relief Strategies
Choosing Between Daanan and Belac: Expert Advice for Chronic Hepatitis
Should I take Belviq or Qsymia? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with chronic hepatitis and seizures. My doctor has recommended that I purchase Tenofovir (干安能) out of pocket, and I have been taking the medication for three months. Before starting the medication: GOT 485, GPT 1079, AF...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Homa! The probability of developing drug resistance to entecavir is indeed higher, with an average resistance rate of about 15% after one year of use. If entecavir resistance occurs, it is necessary to use tenofovir in combination with entecavir, or to use 1.0 mg of lamivu...[Read More] Choosing Between Daanan and Belac: Expert Advice for Chronic Hepatitis