Should My Mom Stop Taking Liver Supplements After Two Years?
Is it necessary to stop taking liver supplements if used for an extended period? Hello Dr. Chen, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help those of us in need. I would like to ask for your advice regarding my mother, who is 58 years old. She has been taking ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Ken: 1. DNA testing can generally be performed every 3 to 6 months, but it must be paid out of pocket. 2. If two consecutive years of treatment are completed (and if DNA cannot be detected after 6 months), the general principle is to discontinue medication and observ...[Read More] Should My Mom Stop Taking Liver Supplements After Two Years?
Understanding a 10-Centimeter Liver Tumor: Risks and Management for Diabetic Patients
Regarding a liver tumor larger than 10 centimeters? Hello, my grandfather has discovered a liver tumor that is over 10 centimeters in size today. He has had diabetes for many years. No one in our family has had issues with hepatitis B, and there are no liver disease problems amon...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Ju, First, we will conduct blood tests and imaging studies (CT scan or MRI) to preliminarily determine the type of tumor. If there are still concerns, a small biopsy of the tumor may be performed for further analysis. If it is liver cancer (or cholangiocarcinom...[Read More] Understanding a 10-Centimeter Liver Tumor: Risks and Management for Diabetic Patients
Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
What side effects should be noted for Hepatitis B (Liver) injection? I previously wrote to you: Hello Doctor... I had an index of over 300 and took Gan An Neng for more than a year, during which my HBeAg turned negative. After taking it for another six months, I stopped the medic...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The medications mentioned from mainland China do not have clear evidence regarding their effectiveness, so I cannot provide appropriate recommendations. Generally, the efficacy of Tenofovir or Entecavir is significantly better than that of Adefovir, so one should not assum...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Hepatitis Ling Injection: What You Need to Know
How to Support a Family Member with Chronic Hepatitis B Concerns
How can we help her? Dear Doctor: My family member (temporarily referred to as Ms. A, please forgive me for wanting to maintain some privacy) is a carrier of hepatitis B. She previously had elevated liver enzyme levels, which were finally controlled after treatment with Hepa-Merz...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, and insomnia require identifying the underlying cause, whether it is psychological or physiological. After treatment for hepatitis B, it is important to continue monitoring; liver function should be closely observed for potential recurrence o...[Read More] How to Support a Family Member with Chronic Hepatitis B Concerns
Do Liver Transplants Require Matching Blood Types?
Is it necessary for a liver transplant to have the same blood type? Is it necessary to have the same blood type for a liver transplant? If I need a liver transplant in the future, since I am type O and my wife is type B, and her entire family has hepatitis B, only my wife and chi...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! If you need a liver transplant, you can only receive type O blood. In principle, it's best to have the same blood type for a liver transplant to reduce the risk of rejection. However, type O blood can be donated to others, but individuals with type O blood can only re...[Read More] Do Liver Transplants Require Matching Blood Types?
Should I Take Liver An Neng and Liver Shi Neng Together or Choose Beileke?
Is it better to take Hepanone and Hepanorm together, or should I take Belek? Hello Doctor, I apologize for writing you so many letters. Previously, my e-antigen was over 300, and I took Tenofovir for more than a year, during which my e-antigen turned negative. After taking it for...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Some studies have confirmed that taking both together can reduce the likelihood of developing drug resistance in liver function. However, as you mentioned, cost is a significant consideration. When you referred to medications from mainland China, what specifically were you...[Read More] Should I Take Liver An Neng and Liver Shi Neng Together or Choose Beileke?
Are HIV and Hepatitis B Transmission Routes the Same? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Are the transmission routes for HIV and Hepatitis B the same? Are the transmission routes for HIV and Hepatitis B the same? Is HIV considered more frightening simply because there is no cure? Do individuals with these two diseases have to avoid marriage and having children unless...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! 1. Yes, the transmission routes for HIV and Hepatitis B are the same; they are transmitted through blood. 2. There are medications for HIV treatment, but it cannot be completely eradicated. 3. The notion that individuals with HIV or Hepatitis B cannot marry or have childre...[Read More] Are HIV and Hepatitis B Transmission Routes the Same? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Results: What Does Negative Mean?
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor: 1. When I was in fifth grade, my blood test indicated "please receive the hepatitis B vaccine," but today's test report states "negative." Is that normal? Do I have antibodies?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lai: If the result is negative for hepatitis B antibodies, it indicates that there are no antibodies present. You may visit the gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic to confirm whether you need to receive another dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (which will c...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccine Results: What Does Negative Mean?
Deciding Whether to Resume Medication After Stopping: A Liver Health Dilemma
What should I do if my condition relapsed after stopping Danazol after a year and a half of use? Hello doctor... I previously had an index over 300 and took antiviral medication for more than a year, during which my e-antigen turned negative. After taking the medication for anoth...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Indeed, this situation can be quite distressing. Your physician's perspective is not incorrect; while inflammation may decrease, the current assessment suggests a higher likelihood of ongoing inflammation. Additionally, although your E antigen is negative, your GPT le...[Read More] Deciding Whether to Resume Medication After Stopping: A Liver Health Dilemma
Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Regarding the liver regeneration function associated with the use of "Belac" (Bepotastine besilate)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have purchased your book and would like to consult you regarding my father, who is 60 years old and has related health issues. Two years ago, he was ho...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello: My father has cirrhosis and underwent embolization two years ago. After that, the embolized area was surgically removed. He has been developing tumors every six months, which have been treated with alcohol injections. In October 2006, with the physician's permission, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Guide for Patients with Family Cancer History
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, I would like to seek your advice regarding gastrointestinal issues: 1. There is a history of cancer in my family, but not of the same type. 2. My mother is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus. 3. Since undergoing surgery for a breast fibroadenoma two...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Maya: Please fast and visit the gastroenterology outpatient department at a medium/small hospital (there are general examinations in the morning, so please register and check in early). Ask the physician if it is possible to complete the examination (such as gastroscopy...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: A Guide for Patients with Family Cancer History
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks of Kissing and Oral Sex
Regarding hepatitis B issues? So, doctor, can kissing and saliva transmit hepatitis B? What about oral sex? Is it really only transmitted through blood? What about semen? I'm really scared of getting infected and passing it on to my family. I want to clarify this to protect ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Transmission through blood, saliva, or oral sex is unlikely unless both parties have open wounds. Semen can also transmit the virus, but the other person must have an open wound.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks of Kissing and Oral Sex
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B issues Doctor, may I ask if my girlfriend has hepatitis B, is it contagious? What will happen if we engage in intimate activities? Will I contract hepatitis B? How should she be treated?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B! 1. Vertical transmission - If a mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B, she may transmit the virus to her fetus before or during childbirth. 2. Horizontal transmission - This can occur through blood transfusions, injections, ear piercing, tatto...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Cirrhosis Dear Vice President Tsai, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, thank you. 1. What are the causes of liver nodules? Does the presence of liver nodules indicate the presence of liver cirrhosis? 2. Can liver cirrhosis be detected through ultrasound? 3. If the ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Cirrhosis can be detected through ultrasound, which may appear coarse; however, the liver does not necessarily exhibit signs of fibrosis. The definition of cirrhosis involves hepatocyte necrosis, with the remaining liver cells regenerating to form nodular structures surrounded by...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights for Patients
Pathology report that is difficult to understand? Dr. Chen, I apologize for bothering you again. Today, I went to the hospital to obtain a copy of my pathology report. This was an important examination that led to the decision to undergo interferon therapy. However, due to the ru...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Your liver biopsy report indicates that your hepatocytes are inflamed (chronic active hepatitis) and there is stage 1 liver fibrosis. The liver biopsy and viral load tests are different; I'm not sure if you have had your viral load tested (HBV DNA or HCV RNA) (we don&...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights for Patients
Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Questions after completing a six-month interferon treatment? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently completed 25 weeks of interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I have been undergoing regular follow-ups with blood tests and abdom...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang! Dear Doctor: I just completed a 25-week interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, so I have regular follow-ups every six months for blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Before the end of 2004, my liver func...[Read More] Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Is Lower Always Better? Understanding Liver Function Test Results
Health check data Hello, regarding general liver function tests (such as AST, ALT, AFP, etc.), is it true that lower values are always better within the normal range? My previous AFP levels were around 1 before I was diagnosed with hepatitis B and C, but this time it has increase...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Liver function tests (GOT, GPT, AFP) fluctuate within a certain range, similar to a heartbeat. The test results should only be considered as references, as many factors can influence the results (such as medications, alcohol, weight gain, etc.). Physicians will not solely rely on...[Read More] Is Lower Always Better? Understanding Liver Function Test Results
Improving Liver Function: Addressing Yellowing Skin and Thyroid Health
Yellowing of the hands and slight yellowing of the face? Hello, I would like to ask how to improve poor liver function? My hands are yellowish, but I do not have jaundice. Additionally, will taking medication for hypothyroidism help restore normal function, and what are the chanc...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Poor liver function requires identifying the underlying cause and treating it accordingly to improve the condition. Common causes include chronic viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, alcohol-related issues, biliary problems, endocrine disorders (such...[Read More] Improving Liver Function: Addressing Yellowing Skin and Thyroid Health
Understanding Positive HBsAg and Negative HBsAb: What It Means for Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Hello doctor, my HBsAg test is positive and my HBsAb test is negative. Does this mean I have hepatitis B? What should I be aware of? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsieh, You are a carrier of Hepatitis B. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for further examination and regular follow-up. You may refer to the "Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Foundation" website for more information. Changhua Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Positive HBsAg and Negative HBsAb: What It Means for Hepatitis B
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Drink Alcohol in Moderation?
Can individuals with chronic hepatitis B drink alcohol in moderation? Hello, my husband is a chronic carrier of hepatitis B. It is well known that individuals with hepatitis B should avoid alcohol consumption. However, my husband enjoys having a drink or two, such as red wine or ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! It's best to avoid drinking if possible, but if not, it's recommended to drink in moderation. Generally speaking, determining what constitutes a moderate amount can be challenging, as each person's definition of moderation varies.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Drink Alcohol in Moderation?