Managing Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What Should You Do Next?
How should abnormal liver function tests be managed? Hello Dr. Chen: My husband had a liver function test through a blood test six months ago, which showed SGOT/AST: 25 (the report indicates normal values are 12-33), SGPT/ALT: 38 (the report indicates normal values are 5-35), and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: If you do not have hepatitis B or C, it is likely that fatty liver is the culprit (or drug-induced liver injury). Since your liver enzyme levels are close to normal, there is no need for medication; you just need to consult a gastroenterologist to identify the cau...[Read More] Managing Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What Should You Do Next?
Post-Kidney Transplant: Managing Abdominal Distension and Discomfort
Mom, it's been over a year since the kidney transplant... Recently, my abdomen and the area below my chest have been getting larger? Dear Dr. Chen, Hello. My mother underwent a kidney transplant surgery last year and is currently taking the following medications: cardiac me...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, I understand your concerns. Immunosuppressive medications, as well as conditions such as hepatitis B and heart disease, may affect the situation you described. Please discuss this with your physician and consider consulting a gastroenterologist and a cardiologist for exa...[Read More] Post-Kidney Transplant: Managing Abdominal Distension and Discomfort
Can I Combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with Liver Support Supplements?
Can I combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with Gan An Neng after taking it? Hello Doctor: I have always maintained a regular lifestyle and never stayed up late, but recently I have been feeling fatigued and experiencing nausea and vomiting. Initially, I thought it was a gastroin...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Generally, there is no issue, but a small portion of people may be allergic to traditional Chinese herbs, which can lead to drug-induced hepatitis. Therefore, it is still recommended that you take liver-protective medications like Hepatoprotective agents until your liver f...[Read More] Can I Combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with Liver Support Supplements?
What to Do If Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B Isn't Working?
If interferon treatment has been ongoing for six months without any effect, what should be done? Hello, doctor! I am a carrier of Hepatitis B. A year ago, during an examination at a municipal hospital, my liver enzyme level (GPT) was found to be as high as 300, so I started resti...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, troubled bride. 1. If medication treatment is truly necessary, you may consider using Entecavir or Tenofovir; however, the latter is currently not covered by health insurance and is more expensive than Entecavir. 2. There is currently insufficient research data to guar...[Read More] What to Do If Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B Isn't Working?
Understanding Liver Surface Roughness: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Regarding roughness of the liver surface? Hello, doctor! At the beginning of June, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor informed me that my liver surface showed signs of roughness. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I had an abdominal ultrasound six months ago, during wh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Is the report provided by the same physician? If different physicians are involved, each may have their subjective opinions, leading to variations in interpretation. Therefore, it would be best to consult your attending physician. The roughness of the liver may be due to p...[Read More] Understanding Liver Surface Roughness: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options
Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
What should I do if I have persistent diarrhea? Hello, Dr. Lin! I have been experiencing diarrhea for over a year, but it's not daily. However, I have episodes every two to three days (when it's better), and every time I eat, I get stomach pain and rush to the bathroom!...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, including dietary factors (such as unclean or greasy foods), intestinal inflammation, and the presence of growths in the intestines (such as polyps or tumors), as well as biliary and pancreatic diseases. Early-stage cancer may not pres...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Can Baraclude Cure My Hepatitis B? Understanding Treatment Options
Hepatitis B & Baraclude I am not certain since when I contracted Hepatitis B; I suspect I had it since childhood, but my mother claims she did not have it. However, my father and sister both have it. I moved to the United States six years ago and have undergone annual health ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: The definition of complete recovery from hepatitis B is the presence of anti-HBs antibodies, the disappearance of HBs antigen, and undetectable levels of HBV DNA. Treatment with Baraclude can suppress HBV DNA to undetectable levels, but only a very small percentage of pati...[Read More] Can Baraclude Cure My Hepatitis B? Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding the Timing and Efficacy of Liver Treatment with Hepatitis B
Liver An can treat issues? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular follow-up examinations every six months for the past eight years. Over these eight years, my GOT and GPT levels have fluctuated. For the past three years, ultrasound examinations have...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, ESir: 1. Liver function tests can only be conducted by a hepatologist, and their use is regulated by health insurance (quota system). It is not intended to elaborate on this here. For cases that are not acute or explosive in nature, liver biopsy and viral load assessment s...[Read More] Understanding the Timing and Efficacy of Liver Treatment with Hepatitis B
Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
What should I do? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have been aware of my hepatitis B carrier status for 17 years. Throughout this time, my liver function tests (GOT, GPT), alpha-fetoprotein levels, and ultrasound results have all been normal. However, my e-antigen has consistently tested positiv...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Ms. Lu! 1. Your liver enzyme levels were within an acceptable range until April of this year, but starting in June, your GPT levels have been consistently elevated, indicating an acute episode. Have you undergone detailed examinations to determine the cause of the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
Can Gan An Neng Cure Hepatitis B? Insurance Coverage and Costs Explained
What is the deadline for personal payment under the National Health Insurance in Taiwan? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if Gan An Neng can truly cure Hepatitis B completely. Is there a possibility of that? Also, I have been taking Gan An Neng for almost a year and a half now...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Sam: 1. Hepatitis medications can inhibit viral replication, but to eliminate the virus, the patient must develop antibodies. Generally, the success rate after one year is about 30%. Prolonged treatment may lead to a higher success rate, but there is also a risk of treatm...[Read More] Can Gan An Neng Cure Hepatitis B? Insurance Coverage and Costs Explained
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes and Tumors
A concerning issue? Hello doctor, I went to the hospital for a blood test to check my liver function because I felt fatigued. I also had an abdominal ultrasound. The doctor said I do not have hepatitis B or C, but my liver enzymes are 299 and 69, which is a bit strange. Additiona...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Guoqiang: Liver biopsy is an important method to directly obtain liver (tumor) cells to confirm the cause of the condition. It has a high safety profile, so there is no need to worry. Please discuss the details with your physician. Changhua Hospital cares about your health...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Elevated Liver Enzymes and Tumors
Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Questions about ultrasound? Hello Dr. Chen, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I have experienced acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis in the past. Although my current liver function tests are normal, an abdominal ultrasound revealed roughness. Does this indicate the presence of ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello KKman: The progression of hepatitis is divided into five stages, with stage 0 being normal and stage 4 indicating cirrhosis. Generally, coarse findings (fibrosis) observed in ultrasound are typically seen in stages 1 to 3, but a biopsy is needed for confirmation. As long as...[Read More] Understanding Ultrasound Findings in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Is It the Right Time to Start Taking Liver Medications?
There are concerns about taking Liver An? Hello: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular follow-up examinations every six months for the past eight years. Over these eight years, my GOT and GPT levels have fluctuated. For the past three years, ultrasound ex...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. According to the letter, you have moderate fatty liver, which could also be a potential cause of your hepatitis. 2. Additionally, your GPT levels have consistently been elevated, and since your E antigen is positive, the use of Tenofovir could be considered. However, yo...[Read More] Is It the Right Time to Start Taking Liver Medications?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B e-antigen negative, e-antibody positive, but liver function is abnormal? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Two years ago, my HBeAg was negative and my HBeAb was positive, but recently my liver function has been abnormal (over 400), and my HBV DNA is 77,754,500. I ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! If you are a mutant strain and want to receive health insurance coverage, a liver biopsy is required. If the health insurance coverage is for 12 to 18 months without a liver biopsy, it is actually a well-established procedure that is performed daily. Moreover, a careful as...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Chronic liver dysfunction Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been undergoing liver examinations every year. For the past 2 to 3 years, my liver function tests have shown slightly elevated levels, ranging from 40 to 65. Both alpha-...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Although you have inflammation, the degree is relatively mild. Generally, the cause of this inflammation is likely related to your fatty liver, as inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus typically presents with higher levels. Therefore, you might want to start with we...[Read More] Long-Term Liver Function Abnormalities: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Managing Elevated HBV Levels After 1.5 Years of Liver Treatment
Liver An Neng Treatment (Forwarded from the Director's Mailbox) After 1 year and 6 months of treatment with Hepatitis B medication, the results show that GOT and GPT levels are normal, but the HBV DNA test indicates a level of 350,000. What should be the next steps in manage...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Generally, Hepatitis B antiviral therapy should be continued until the e-antibody is positive and HBV DNA is undetectable for at least an additional 6 months. Therefore, in your case, you should continue taking the antiviral medication. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hong-Dao, Intern...[Read More] Managing Elevated HBV Levels After 1.5 Years of Liver Treatment
Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Their Implications
Hepatitis B issues Hello doctor, I have hepatitis B. A few days ago, I underwent testing, and the result for the hepatitis B surface antigen was 284.71 (+). Is this considered a high value? Should I start medication? Additionally, my current job involves baking bread, which is qu...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The value of your surface antigen is not related to your condition; this report simply indicates that you have been infected with hepatitis B. Whether you need medication for your condition depends on whether your liver is inflamed, which means we need to check if your blo...[Read More] Understanding High Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Their Implications
Understanding Elevated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. A few days ago, I had blood tests for GOT and GPT, both of which were normal, but one value was quite high. The surface antigen index is 284.2. Doctor, is this number very high? Should I take medication? If ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The value of the surface antigen is not related to the severity of the disease; this report simply informs you that you have hepatitis B. Whether or not to take medication should be based on the levels of GOT and GPT. You may want to consult your attending physician for mo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels: What You Need to Know
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted During Menstruation?
As a carrier of hepatitis B, it is possible to transmit the virus to your partner during sexual intercourse, including during menstruation. It is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to understand the risks and consider preventive measures, such as vaccination ...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Sexual activity is one of the transmission routes for hepatitis B. However, for transmission to occur, in addition to the route, it is important to consider the viral activity of the carrier. Currently, it cannot be confirmed whether your menstrual blood could infect your ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted During Menstruation?