Do I Really Need to Combine Gan An and Gan Shi Neng for Hepatitis B Treatment?
In the hepatitis B testing program, do Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and antiviral medications like entecavir (ETV) need to be taken together? I have participated in a clinical trial and completed a course of Daclatasvir. After the treatment, both antibodies and antigens test...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, indeed, this has been a significant expense over time. However, due to the current regulations of the National Health Insurance system, there will not be any policy relaxations in the short term. Currently, some research reports indicate that the combined use of Dexamethas...[Read More] Do I Really Need to Combine Gan An and Gan Shi Neng for Hepatitis B Treatment?
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated fetal protein index? My husband recently had a health check at his company, which revealed an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 65. He then went to the Gastroenterology Department at Tri-Service General Hospital for further evaluation, where his AFP level was aga...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The causes of elevated fetal protein levels include hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other tumors such as germ cell tumors and testicular inflammation, as well as pregnancy. Generally, if the fetal protein level exceeds 400, liver cancer should be suspected. In your ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Should You Get Hepatitis B Vaccination Without Antibodies?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, I went to the hospital for a blood test and core examination. The results showed that I do not have antibodies for Hepatitis B. The doctor mentioned that he generally does not recommend vaccination, stating that the infection rate is only 10%, and th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lai: If it is confirmed that you have been vaccinated and you do not have prolonged contact with hepatitis B patients, currently, there is no recommendation for a routine booster dose. However, if you have personal considerations, receiving the vaccine at your own expens...[Read More] Should You Get Hepatitis B Vaccination Without Antibodies?
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Antigen with Negative Antibody Results
Antigen positive but antibody negative? Hello Dr. Hsu: During my health check-up last year, I found that my Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive but the antibody was negative, and my GPT was slightly elevated at 39. The doctor suggested a follow-up in six months, indicating i...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, last year's test report indicated that you were infected with hepatitis B, but it could not confirm whether it was acute or chronic. Therefore, it was recommended to follow up in six months. However, this month's blood test report only mentioned that the core ant...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Antigen with Negative Antibody Results
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Issues related to Hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About four years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and the doctor told me that I am a healthy carrier, and I only need to return for check-ups every six months. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I only know that my surfa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
1. The definition of a healthy carrier is someone who is infected with hepatitis B but has normal liver function tests and ultrasound results. 2. Your SGPT level is 53, which is slightly elevated, indicating mild inflammation; therefore, close monitoring is necessary, but current...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Understanding Your HBV DNA Levels: Implications for Infection and Monitoring
What does the value of HBV DNA represent? Hello Dr. Lee: I was diagnosed with hepatitis B around the age of 10. I recently had some tests done at the hospital, but I still have some questions I would like to ask you. Below are the results from my blood tests: HBsAg is positive at...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, 1. The letter mentions that your HBV DNA is over 10,000, but since there are no units provided, it's not possible to determine whether your viral load is high or low. 2. However, even if your viral load is very high, since your GOT is 28 IU/L and GPT is 30 IU/L, w...[Read More] Understanding Your HBV DNA Levels: Implications for Infection and Monitoring
Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for Fatty Liver? Expert Insights and Check-Up Recommendations
Is reishi mushroom effective for treating fatty liver disease? Hello, my father has liver issues and I've heard that reishi mushrooms are effective. I would like to seek professional advice on this matter. Additionally, could you please tell me how often a 50-year-old person...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang Chih-Chieh, 1. There is no evidence that reishi mushroom can treat fatty liver disease. 2. The primary step in managing fatty liver disease is to rule out hepatitis B/C, alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury. After that, the focus should be on con...[Read More] Is Reishi Mushroom Effective for Fatty Liver? Expert Insights and Check-Up Recommendations
Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me Hello, I have a question... My uncle, who is 44 years old, has been a long-term alcohol consumer. About 1-2 months ago, he experienced abdominal pain and vomited bright red blood. He was diagnosed by a physician with mild c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao Mi: Due to the need for a personal ultrasound examination, it is not possible to determine the source of the bubbles (or cysts?). If you continue to have a high fever, you should return to the emergency department for further evaluation, and if necessary, a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Elevated GPT levels? Hello Dr. Lin, I recently had a blood test that showed a GPT level of 47 and a white blood cell count of 3.6. I was diagnosed with hepatitis B during high school. Due to high work stress, I don’t have time for a lunch break, and I feel very tired when I get ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Patients with hepatitis B are advised to have regular follow-ups, including liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasound. There are many causes of skin itching, and liver dysfunction can sometimes present with itching symptoms. Taoyuan General H...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Liver Health Concerns and Next Steps
Can Saliva in Mineral Water Transmit Hepatitis B or C?
Hepatitis Can drinking mineral water that has saliva from a person with hepatitis B or C lead to infection? Is it possible to get infected from the saliva in the mineral water?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes for Hepatitis B and C are through the entry of virus-containing blood or bodily fluids (including semen and saliva) into broken skin or mucous membranes. If the viral load in saliva is high (which is generally low), there is still a chance of infect...[Read More] Can Saliva in Mineral Water Transmit Hepatitis B or C?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Liver function tests? Doctor, I received my lab results today: G.O.P = 21, G.P.T = 31, and albumin = 4.4, all of which are normal. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, but why is my total bilirubin level 1.88 under these normal conditions? What could be the reason for this? What should...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. (1) Hepatitis B carriers should undergo regular monitoring of GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound. (2) Elevated total bilirubin can be attributed to three main causes: 1. Excessive destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of too much hemoglobin; 2. Liver dysfu...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Normal Results with Elevated Bilirubin Levels
Can Drinking Coffee Really Lower Liver Cancer Risk?
Can drinking coffee prevent liver cancer? Researchers have found that drinking two cups of coffee daily reduces the risk of liver cancer by 43%. Larson and Walker point out that coffee has a protective effect against liver cancer, which seems biologically plausible. They state th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Jie, This is still only preliminary observation and statistical analysis, and there are no other studies to validate it. Therefore, it should only be considered as a reference; there is no need to excessively drink coffee to prevent liver cancer. Instead, it is essen...[Read More] Can Drinking Coffee Really Lower Liver Cancer Risk?
Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B? Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage Explained
Is there a specific treatment for hepatitis B currently available? Is there a specific treatment for hepatitis B currently available? Does health insurance cover it? What are the conditions for coverage? If it is not covered by health insurance, what are the out-of-pocket costs?
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Currently, there are medications available to treat hepatitis B, but they cannot eliminate the carrier state of hepatitis B. It's important to clarify this concept. The available medications include Tenofovir (TDF), Entecavir (ETV), and Interferon, which are covered b...[Read More] Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B? Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage Explained
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Regarding issues related to the "liver" and "abdominal discomfort." Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask you a few questions and provide some context first. For the past four to five days, I have been experiencing some discomfort in the upper abdomen, particula...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are not related to the liver. Since you do not have hepatitis B, it is likely that you do not have hepatitis C either (I'm not sure if you have been tested?). The probability of developing liver cancer is very low; however, if you ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Abdominal Discomfort and Concerns
Can Dried Mucus or Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B or C?
What is the transmission of hepatitis? Consulting a physician: Is dried phlegm, saliva, or nasal mucus infectious? If I accidentally touch dried phlegm, saliva, or nasal mucus from a person with hepatitis C or B (and I have a wound on my hand), is there a possibility of transmitt...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Shan: There is a possibility, but it is generally low (if there is contact with an open wound), so there is no need to worry too much! Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Can Dried Mucus or Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B or C?
Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Regarding the embolization of liver tumors? Dear Dr. Chen, My grandfather was diagnosed with a 12 cm liver tumor, which was confirmed to be liver cancer. After undergoing embolization, he has been experiencing persistent fever. Recently, the doctor suggested using a nasogastric ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Ms. Peggy: 1. May I ask the doctor if my grandfather truly does not have hepatitis B or C? (He may have occult hepatitis B, but it is not easy to confirm.) 2. These changes in his condition are not uncommon, and I believe your attending physician will do their best to treat him. ...[Read More] Navigating Post-Embolization Complications in Liver Cancer Treatment
Understanding Persistent Liver Enzyme Elevation in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Liver enzyme levels remain elevated? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Last week, my GOP was 72 and GPT was 144. For the past two years, my liver function indices have consistently exceeded the standard value of 40, typically around 50-70. My sleep is normal, and I pay attent...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Gladys: Essentially, liver function in hepatitis B is related to individual immunity and viral load. Insomnia or staying up late may trigger issues, but the primary factor is still the amount of virus present. Please visit a gastroenterology or hepatobiliary clinic for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Liver Enzyme Elevation in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Normal Liver Function Test Values for Hepatitis B Carriers
excuse me? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and would like to know what the normal reference values for liver function tests are.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The standard values for liver enzymes in our hospital are as follows: GPT: 5-40 IU/ml, GOT: 12-40 IU/ml, and AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): 0-10 ng/ml.[Read More] Understanding Normal Liver Function Test Values for Hepatitis B Carriers
Does Late-Night Sleep Impact Liver Health? Insights for Busy Students
Sleep inquiry? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am a graduate student and often stay up late due to my research commitments. My family has a history of hepatitis B, but I do not have hepatitis B myself. However, I am concerned that staying up late for extended periods may harm my liver. Therefo...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Irregular sleep patterns are detrimental; it is essential to maintain a normal daily routine for overall health.[Read More] Does Late-Night Sleep Impact Liver Health? Insights for Busy Students
Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns
My father had a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was as high as 1761? Hello Dr. Chen, Recently, my father underwent a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was alarmingly high at 1761. The other liver function test results are as follows: T-Bilirubin (0.9), D-Bili...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! An HBsAg level of 176 indicates that your father is merely a carrier of hepatitis B; this figure does not correlate with the severity of the disease. The presence of cirrhosis cannot be determined solely based on this data. According to the information provided, your fathe...[Read More] Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns