Understanding Lack of Antibody Response After Hepatitis B Vaccination
If antibodies are not produced after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine around my first year of high school and then followed up to find no antibody response, and later received another three...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, some individuals are unable to generate antibodies from the current hepatitis B vaccine, which are referred to as non-responders. If there is still no antibody response after two or three doses, further vaccination is not recommended. However, it is important to monitor fo...[Read More] Understanding Lack of Antibody Response After Hepatitis B Vaccination
Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Liver enzyme levels have consistently been elevated? Hello Doctor: I am 26 years old, and I have had normal health check-ups before university. However, since my university entrance examination, my liver enzymes GPT and GOT have been slightly elevated above normal values. Since t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the common reasons for elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels include hepatitis B and C, drug-induced fatty liver, and autoimmune diseases. A small portion of cases may have unknown causes not related to the currently known hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E). If the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Concerns About Potential Mistakes in Hepatitis B Vaccination
Regarding issues related to errors in administering the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. I currently live in the United States and am receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. However, due to a language barrier, I suspect that the healthcare personnel ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Receiving an additional dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful; it simply increases the exposure of your immune cells (such as lymphocytes) to the hepatitis B antigens, thereby stimulating the production of antibodies. This is why a three-dose series is recommended...[Read More] Concerns About Potential Mistakes in Hepatitis B Vaccination
Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT, GPT, and Bilirubin Levels
I'm not sure what it means? Hello: My liver enzyme levels were originally very high, but for some reason, in my most recent blood test, the values decreased. My GOT was 48, and I forgot the GPT value. This time, only one tube of blood was drawn, whereas in the past, three tu...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, may I ask if you are a hepatitis B patient or have any other type of hepatitis? Generally speaking, in cases of chronic hepatitis, liver enzyme levels (GOT and GPT) can fluctuate; they may be high at times and low at others, and they will not remain constant. Typically, fo...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: Interpreting GOT, GPT, and Bilirubin Levels
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Efficacy, and Safety Concerns
Hepatitis B vaccine Doctor, I received the first and second doses of the hepatitis B vaccine only three weeks apart. Will this affect the vaccine's efficacy? I was tested six months ago and found to have neither hepatitis B nor antibodies. I received the vaccine a month ago,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. The hepatitis B vaccine schedule consists of the first dose followed by the second dose one month later, and the second dose followed by the third dose five months later. To confirm the effectiveness of the vaccination, antibody testing can be performed after t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Efficacy, and Safety Concerns
How Long Should I Take Dryan? Concerns About Duration and Resistance
How long can one take Ganoderma? Hello, I previously had a GGT of over 300 and a GPT of over 500. I have been taking Daclatasvir for 3.5 months now. Currently, my GGT is normal and my GPT is 36, which is just slightly above the standard of 35. I feel like I'm almost back to ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the treatment for hepatitis B is not solely based on the levels of GOT and GPT; it also requires monitoring the status of e-antigen/antibody and whether the HBV viral load (HBV-DNA) has been measured. The goals of treatment include normalizing liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) and ...[Read More] How Long Should I Take Dryan? Concerns About Duration and Resistance
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Hepatitis B carrier (1) Doctor, my boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B. I have had deep kisses and sexual intercourse with him, but I was vaccinated against hepatitis B when I was a child. Later, I had my antibody levels checked, and the doctor recommended another vaccination f...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, (1) Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Although the transmission rate between spouses is not high, it is best to have antibodies to reduce the risk of infection. (2) A. Fatty liver can be classified by severity through ultrasound....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Vaccination, and Health Monitoring
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management for Teens
Liver function test inquiry I would like to ask the doctor, I am 17 years old and two years ago I had a physical examination when I started school. I found out that I have hepatitis B, but I have consulted both Western and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for treatment....
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) remains positive for more than 6 months, it indicates a chronic carrier status. If liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT) are elevated, it suggests chronic hepatitis. There are various medications available in both Western and Traditional...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management for Teens
Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Hepatitis B I am a carrier of hepatitis B. I currently work the night shift at a convenience store, and I try to make up for sleep during the day. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. What should I do to prevent liver cirrhosis? What are the regular check-up items I should undergo?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, in addition to sufficient sleep and rest, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming fresh foods, avoiding alcohol, and refraining from taking medications indiscriminately are important measures for liver protection. If liver function tests (GOT, GPT) are normal, it indicates ...[Read More] Preventing Liver Cirrhosis: Essential Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Immunity and Infection Explained
Hepatitis B A hepatitis B infection can lead to the development of protective immunity, which is indicated by specific laboratory test results. If an individual has been infected with hepatitis B and has developed immunity, the serological markers typically seen in the test repor...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! In your test report, a positive surface antigen and a negative surface antibody indicate that you are a carrier of hepatitis B. Conversely, if the surface antigen is negative and the surface antibody is positive, it means that you have immunity due to the presence of antib...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Immunity and Infection Explained
Understanding Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Treatment Options and Risks
My father developed fulminant hepatitis after taking anti-tuberculosis medication! Hello Dr. Hsu, my father does not have hepatitis B, but the doctor is now recommending treatment with Zeffix (at his own expense) because his ALT was previously over 1000. Is it necessary for him t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. Your first question is unclear. If there is no hepatitis B, why is there a need to take Gan An Neng? Is there some information missing? 2. Plasma exchange therapy is only a temporary measure to replace the liver's function of clearing bilirubin and other harmful su...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Induced Hepatitis: Treatment Options and Risks
Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
The disappearance of the E antigen and persistently elevated liver enzymes? Hello Dr. Hsu: I am a patient with hepatitis B, without hepatitis C, and I do not drink alcohol. I have been receiving liver protection medication from the hospital for the past five to six years, but my ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello lbkth888! 1. Your condition can be considered for treatment with long-acting interferon, which has shown good results. However, as you mentioned, your e-antigen is negative, indicating that you are a patient with a mutated strain of hepatitis B. In this situation, the e-a...[Read More] Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Hepatitis A, B, and C? 1. For Hepatitis A, if an individual has been infected and shows protective immunity, the laboratory report will typically indicate the presence of IgG antibodies against Hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV IgG). This means that even if they have been infected, the...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! 1. To determine if you have immunity to Hepatitis A, you only need to check for the presence of Hepatitis A antibodies (IgG anti-HAV). A positive result indicates that you have immunity and will not be infected. 2. Your second question is quite vague; it only mentions Hepa...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diet, and Symptoms Explained
Gallbladder polyp Symptoms: Gallbladder polyp 0.4 cm; GPT 40, GOT 30; mild fatty liver, no hepatitis C, positive for hepatitis B antibodies; blood lipids and blood glucose are normal. Duration: This was discovered during a hospital examination two days ago; an ultrasound six mont...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The examination results indicate that liver function is within the normal range, and there is no evidence of hepatitis B or C. The presence of hepatitis B antibodies suggests that there will be no future infection with the hepatitis B virus. The ultrasound examination uses images...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diet, and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Insights on GOT, GPT, and γ-GT Levels
Drinking alcohol Hello, doctor: After my health check-up, I found out that my GOT is 30, GPT is 76, γ-GT is 80, AFP is 7.6, and CEA is 0.62. I do not have hepatitis B, but I have fatty liver. I would like to ask the doctor why my γ-GT is abnormal even though I do not drink alcoho...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The enzyme r-GT is present not only in the liver but also in other organs such as the kidneys and spleen. In individuals who consume alcohol regularly, it serves as a reference indicator. Even if you are not currently drinking, a history of regular alcohol consumption can ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Enzymes: Insights on GOT, GPT, and γ-GT Levels
Understanding Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Families Facing Liver Challenges
Please provide information about fulminant hepatitis? My father is currently 60 years old and has autoimmune disease and is a carrier of hepatitis B. Two years ago, he experienced polymyositis due to autoimmune issues and has been on long-term steroid treatment (three pills). He ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, currently your father's condition seems to be characterized by ongoing liver function failure, with persistent jaundice and abnormal coagulation function, showing no significant improvement. The current treatments (such as diuretics, plasma transfusions, and ammonia r...[Read More] Understanding Acute Hepatitis: A Guide for Families Facing Liver Challenges
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Normal Ranges Explained
Elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase Hello, doctor. I recently had a blood test and found that my ALT level is elevated, around 46. I previously went to the hospital and was diagnosed with fatty liver. Could you please tell me if my elevated ALT is due to fatty liver or if ther...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Fatty liver can potentially cause elevated GPT levels, but there may also be other factors such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, recent use of specific medications, or alcohol consumption. If none of these factors are present, then it is likely due to fatty liver. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Normal Ranges Explained
Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Yellow Tongue and Fatigue?
excuse me? I have been waking up every morning with a yellowish tongue and often feel very fatigued. Should I consider seeing a hepatobiliary specialist for this condition?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! A yellowish tongue is indeed uncommon, and it would be advisable to have it evaluated by a hepatologist. I'm not sure if you have undergone any liver disease tests, such as for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C?[Read More] Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Yellow Tongue and Fatigue?
Choosing the Best Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Interferon vs. New Oral Antivirals
Regarding interferon therapy? Hello: I have been undergoing treatment for hepatitis B for over three years. Initially, I was treated with interferon, and there was a period when my AST and ALT levels dropped to normal (although the e-antigen remained positive, and the viral load ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Recently, your GPT index has increased. Besides Danazol, long-acting interferons are also one of the treatment options. However, they are currently not covered by health insurance and must be paid for out-of-pocket. The efficacy of both treatments is quite similar, but for...[Read More] Choosing the Best Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B: Interferon vs. New Oral Antivirals
Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health
Could you please provide more context or complete your question regarding hepatitis B carriers? I previously had two hepatitis B tests six months apart, both showing positive for surface antigen. However, my GOT, GPT, AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results were normal. The doctor ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. You are confirmed to be a carrier of hepatitis B (chronic hepatitis B), as both surface antigen tests have been positive for more than six months. However, being e-antigen negative indicates that you are a less infectious carrier. 2. If fatty liver is severe,...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status and Its Implications for Health