Do You Need a Hepatitis B Booster After Childhood Vaccination?
Hepatitis B If a person has received the hepatitis B vaccine during childhood, it is generally not necessary to receive another dose, as the vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. However, it is advisable to check antibody levels to confirm immunity, especially for individuals a...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. It is necessary to check for HBsAb; if there are no antibodies, vaccination is not required. If there are no carriers and no antibodies, vaccination can be administered. 2. Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids, and individuals who are HBeAg positive h...[Read More] Do You Need a Hepatitis B Booster After Childhood Vaccination?
What to Do If Your CEA Levels Are Elevated: A Guide for Patients
My carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level is elevated at 4.5 ng/ml. What should I do? Hello doctor, I recently completed a health check and found that my "Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)" level is 4.5 ng/ml, which is slightly elevated. I do not smoke and I am a carrier of ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, the normal values for LEA can vary; some are 6, some are 5, and even below 3. The term "normal values" refers to the range of values obtained from 95% of healthy individuals, so even slight deviations from normal do not necessarily indicate disease. In clinical p...[Read More] What to Do If Your CEA Levels Are Elevated: A Guide for Patients
Can Children Inherit Hepatitis B from Infected Fathers?
If the father is a carrier of hepatitis B, will the child also be a carrier after birth? Hello Dr. Yuan: If a father is a carrier of hepatitis B, will his children also be infected with hepatitis B? Additionally, can hepatitis B be transmitted through saliva? Thank you!
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The vertical transmission route of Hepatitis B occurs when a newborn is infected through the blood of a mother who carries the Hepatitis B virus. Therefore, if the father is a Hepatitis B carrier, the child will not be a carrier. If the mother is a carrier, it ...[Read More] Can Children Inherit Hepatitis B from Infected Fathers?
Understanding GOT and GPT Levels: Impact of Arthritis Medications
Issues related to GOT and GPT? Last December during my health check, my GOT was 18 and GPT was 18. Recently, after taking medication for arthritis, my GOT increased to 42 and GPT to 81. Will stopping the medication lower these levels back to their original values?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of abnormal liver function, with common ones including chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse, medications, and other viral hepatitis or autoimmune diseases. Mr. Wang's liver function has recently shown abnormalities...[Read More] Understanding GOT and GPT Levels: Impact of Arthritis Medications
Is Peginterferon Alpha-2a More Effective Than Lamivudine for Hepatitis B?
Is interferon better than Hepatitis B immunoglobulin? Hello, I am a 25-year-old patient with hepatitis B who contracted the virus through vertical transmission from my mother and is e-antigen positive. I have been taking lamivudine for nearly a year, but I still have not achieved...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The National Health Insurance does not cover long-acting interferons, only short-acting interferons are covered. According to the data, long-acting interferons are more effective than short-acting ones. Based on experience, some patients may only show seroconversion of the...[Read More] Is Peginterferon Alpha-2a More Effective Than Lamivudine for Hepatitis B?
How to Generate Surface Antibodies (Anti-HBs) for Hepatitis B?
How to generate surface antibodies (Anti-HBs) I have hepatitis B, but there are three antibodies related to it, and I already have two antibodies (Anti-HBc and Anti-HBe). I inquired about this on April 8, 1994, and have received a response. My questions are: 1. How is surface ant...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The likelihood of a hepatitis B carrier developing surface antibodies is very low, and the probability of being a lifelong carrier is high. Currently, there are no medications available to promote the production of surface antibodies. The hepatitis B vaccine currently in u...[Read More] How to Generate Surface Antibodies (Anti-HBs) for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Open vs. Closed Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Differences Explained
I am a carrier of hepatitis B virus (HBV). What is the distinction between "open" and "closed" hepatitis B carriers? I am a carrier of hepatitis B. What is the distinction between "open" and "closed" hepatitis B carriers? Please help clarif...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The "open" state you mentioned likely refers to HBeAg-positive hepatitis B, indicating that the hepatitis B virus is more active in the body, with a higher viral load and increased infectivity. Conversely, the "closed" state you referred to ...[Read More] Understanding Open vs. Closed Hepatitis B Carriers: Key Differences Explained
Understanding Liver Function Tests: High GPT Levels and Health Tips
Liver function A few days ago, I had a blood test, and my results were as follows: GOP 25, GPT 46, ALK 127, R-GT 62.9, with the rest being normal. I would like to know why my GOP is normal but my GPT is elevated. I couldn't find similar Q&A, so what could be the possible...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, (1) GPT primarily exists within liver cells, and abnormal GPT levels (usually standard value <40) indicate liver cell damage. Common causes in Taiwan include viral hepatitis (chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C), fatty liver, medications, and alcohol consumption. R...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: High GPT Levels and Health Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
There are three antibodies for hepatitis B, and I have two of them? Twelve years ago (in 1993), I had elevated liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) due to hepatitis B, with levels reaching around 600-700. The doctor initially said that if the levels did not decrease, hospitalization would be...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are three antigens associated with Hepatitis B: surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen (HBcAg), and e antigen (HBeAg). After being infected with Hepatitis B, all three antigens will appear, and subsequently, antibodies against the core antigen (Anti-HBc) will be produ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Healing and Their Longevity Explained
Understanding Complications After Kidney Transplant: A Guide for Patients
Could you please provide a more detailed response? Hello Dr. Fang, I would like to ask you a question. My mother is 42 years old (she has hepatitis B). In February 2004, she fainted and was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei. Last Jul...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and edema are symptoms that may raise concerns about the possibility of cirrhosis. Therefore, it would be advisable for your mother's physician to consult a hepatologist for an evaluation to determine if there is chronic hepatitis, signific...[Read More] Understanding Complications After Kidney Transplant: A Guide for Patients
Managing Elevated GOT and GPT Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
The patient has hepatitis B and has experienced elevated GOT and GPT levels in the past two years? In the past two years, my GOT and GPT levels have been consistently high, around 60 to 116. I have been taking the medication prescribed by your hospital for about three months now,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, first we need to rule out other causes that can lead to elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels, such as bile duct stones, tumors, alcohol consumption, and medications that may cause abnormal liver function tests. If there are no other causes and the elevation is solely du...[Read More] Managing Elevated GOT and GPT Levels in Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B Hello doctor, I had hepatitis B when I was younger, and I would like to get tested for it now. Which department should I go to in the hospital? Is it possible to have fully recovered from it?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! You can go to the hepatobiliary department or the gastroenterology department at the hospital.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Treatment Options
Understanding ALT Levels: Myths, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Is "serum transaminase (ALT)" commonly referred to as "blood oil," and can it easily cause numbness in the hands and feet? How can I help it return to normal? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, ALT is an indicator of liver inflammation, not "blood lipids," and it does not cause numbness in the hands and feet. If abnormal, you should seek medical evaluation to determine the cause of the liver inflammation, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, e...[Read More] Understanding ALT Levels: Myths, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B/C Treatment Options in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Hospitals offering hepatitis B/C testing? 1. Is it better to visit a hospital that participates in the hepatitis B/C pilot program if I have hepatitis? 2. What is the difference between hospitals that participate in the hepatitis B/C pilot program and those that do not? 3. Ar...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! I'm not clear on what is meant by B/C hepatitis trial hospitals. The hepatitis mentioned in the letter refers to which type of hepatitis? However, you can address all your questions to the hepatobiliary department at the hospital, where a specialist can conduct a deta...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B/C Treatment Options in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello, Doctor. I have been serving in the Coast Guard for about five years. Due to work-related issues, I have been experiencing irregular sleep patterns. I read in the newspaper that there were patients whose liver function tests showed normal results...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. A general liver function test includes blood tests and ultrasound examinations. 2. The liver enzymes commonly referred to are AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT). When AST and ALT levels are elevated, it is important to investigate the underlying causes. Common causes in ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Hepatitis B healthy carrier? As a carrier of hepatitis B, what should I pay attention to in my daily life and diet? Can a hepatitis B carrier transmit the virus to others? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, 1. Individuals who are healthy carriers of Hepatitis B do not require special care but should undergo regular monitoring, maintain a balanced diet, and have a regular daily routine. In terms of diet, they should minimize the intake of foods containing artificial additive...[Read More] Living with Hepatitis B: Tips for Carriers on Diet and Transmission Risks
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Liver issues? Hello! I had a health check-up at the hospital last week, and the results indicated that my liver enzymes are elevated. What could be the possible reasons for this? Are there dietary factors or other issues that might contribute to elevated liver enzyme levels?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes generally refer to high levels of GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT). Common causes in Taiwan include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and drug or alcohol abuse. Additionally, other conditions such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune issues...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Concerns
Hepatitis B concerns? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been taking Hepa-Merz for 5 years. My e-antigen is negative, and I have developed drug resistance. Currently, my liver function tests show GPT at 297 and GOT at 167, which have not returned to normal for over a year. I ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Since you have been taking Hepatoprotective for over five years, it indicates that you have been regularly monitored by a hepatologist. However, without your medical history for reference, it is difficult to assess whether you need to start taking Hepatitis B antiviral med...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Concerns
Two Key Questions on Gastrointestinal Health and Hepatitis B Management
There are two questions? I would like to ask two questions: 1. When I have a bowel movement, I notice some blood on the toilet paper after wiping. It's not a lot and doesn't happen frequently, but occasionally, when the stool is too hard, I see a small amount of blood...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. It seems more like a minor injury to the anus caused by hard stools passing through, which may also involve some hemorrhoids. If this occurs frequently, please consult a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist for an examination. 2. Hepatitis B cannot be c...[Read More] Two Key Questions on Gastrointestinal Health and Hepatitis B Management
Should You Take Tenofovir for HBsAg Positive, e Negative Mutant Hepatitis B?
Should I take Tenofovir if I am HBsAg positive and have an e-negative mutant type? Hello! I am a long-term carrier of hepatitis B. Over the past year, my liver enzyme levels have been elevated, with GOT ranging from 40 to 80 and GPT from 80 to 180. I have been undergoing regular ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. For hepatitis B carriers with elevated liver enzymes, it is important to first investigate the underlying causes of liver function elevation. Hepatitis B virus, alcohol abuse, fatty liver, and medications can all contribute to increased enzyme levels. 2. The ...[Read More] Should You Take Tenofovir for HBsAg Positive, e Negative Mutant Hepatitis B?