Understanding Liver Function Tests and Military Exemption Criteria in Taiwan
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about liver function issues. Thank you? Hello Doctor: I previously downloaded the regulations regarding exemption from military service from the Ministry of the Interior, but I have some questions about the regulations that I need clarificat...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine the potential histopathological changes in liver biopsy based on biochemical indices, so I cannot answer your question. I apologize for the inconvenience. Best wishes for your health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Zhiping, Department of Internal Medic...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests and Military Exemption Criteria in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Your Concerns Addressed
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you again, but I would like to discuss the following issues and hope you can spare some time to help me. Thank you. 1. I had an ultrasound examination that showed my liver appearing hyperechoic, and the examining physician dia...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, 1. Your test report shows elevated liver enzymes with Anti-HBc IgG(+) and HCV Ab(-), but it does not include HBsAg and HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody), so we cannot determine if you are currently a carrier or if you have antibodies. Anti-HBc IgG(+) only ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Your Concerns Addressed
Can Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Change from Positive to Negative?
Is it possible for the hepatitis B surface antigen to change? Hello Doctor: I previously underwent a health check-up in January 2003, where the hepatitis B surface antigen was positive and the surface antibody was negative, thus I was determined to be a carrier (liver function te...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, previously the surface antigen was positive, but it is now undetectable, and the surface antibody is also negative. There are several possibilities: 1. The surface antigen may still be present but at a level too low to be detected due to the sensitivity of the test; 2. It ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Change from Positive to Negative?
Understanding Hepatitis B Mutant Strains: Treatment Challenges and Concerns
Hepatitis B virus mutant strains Hello, doctor. I have been undergoing blood tests for nearly eight months, and my liver enzymes have changed from GOT 90, GPT 148 to GOT 120, GPT 256. During this time, the doctor said the ultrasound was normal. Finally, I tested positive for Hepa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. According to the National Health Insurance Administration's criteria for reimbursement of treatment for Hepatitis B and C, it is stipulated that HBsAg (positive) must be present for more than six months and HBeAg (positive) for more than three months, with ALT leve...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Mutant Strains: Treatment Challenges and Concerns
Should My Husband Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine to Prevent Infection?
Hepatitis B vaccine I am a carrier of hepatitis B and currently undergoing regular monitoring. My husband has tested negative for hepatitis B. Should my husband get the hepatitis B vaccine to prevent transmission from me? If so, where can he receive the vaccine? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Major medical institutions have hepatitis B vaccines available. You can inquire at nearby hospitals or clinics that are convenient for you to see if they have the vaccine.[Read More] Should My Husband Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine to Prevent Infection?
Managing Hepatitis B: Essential Tests and Monitoring for Carriers
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. Both my husband and I are carriers of hepatitis B. During our regular check-ups at the hospital, besides checking GOT and CPT, is it sufficient to just have an ultrasound? If both the indices and the ultrasound results are...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Currently, regular follow-up tests including blood tests for GOT, GPT, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), along with abdominal ultrasound, are sufficient.[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B: Essential Tests and Monitoring for Carriers
Understanding Fatty Liver and Hepatitis B: Risks and Vaccination Insights
Hepatitis B Hello Dr. Chen: After an ultrasound examination at the hospital, I was diagnosed with fatty liver, and a blood test revealed that I have a positive reaction for hepatitis B. Can I have both fatty liver and hepatitis B? If I receive the hepatitis B vaccine, will I no l...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, it is possible to have both fatty liver and hepatitis B simultaneously. If you are a carrier of hepatitis B (surface antigen positive), there is no need to receive the vaccine, as the vaccine is intended to protect individuals who have never been infected with the hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Hepatitis B: Risks and Vaccination Insights
Understanding Hepatitis B Mutations and Their Treatment Challenges
Hepatitis B virus mutation diseases Hello Doctor: In early February, I felt unwell and went to the hospital for liver function tests. There was no infection with hepatitis B or C. The results showed liver enzyme levels of GOT 66 and GPT 108, while other liver function tests and u...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, initially it was stated that there was no hepatitis B or C, but later it was mentioned that HBV-DNA is positive and it is a mutant strain of the virus. However, shouldn't the hepatitis B surface antigen be positive? I have not encountered such a situation perso...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Mutations and Their Treatment Challenges
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Abdominal pain Last year, I underwent an endoscopy which revealed mild gastritis. After taking medication, I didn't pay much attention to it. In March of this year, I developed acute gastritis and took medication, which seemed to help, so I didn't follow up. Since June,...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, it seems that your symptoms are less indicative of hepatitis and more related to gastrointestinal issues. Typically, hepatitis does not present with pain, but may include symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, and loss of appetite. In more severe cases, jaundice (yello...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results and Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B Hello, doctor: I recently underwent a health check at school, and the results showed that the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is negative and the Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) is also negative. I would like to ask what this means. If I need to receive the v...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the negative results for both HBsAg and HBsAb may indicate three possible scenarios: 1. Completely uninfected, requiring vaccination. 2. Previously infected and developed HBsAb, but the antibody levels have decreased to undetectable levels due to a lack of exposure to hepa...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results and Vaccination Options
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Essential Tests and Follow-Up Care
Hepatitis B carriers, examination? Hello Dr. Chen, I was previously a carrier of hepatitis B and I heard that it cannot be cured for a lifetime. About 4 to 5 years ago, I had a blood test for hepatitis B, and the doctor at that time informed me that my AST and ALT levels were no...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Hepatitis B may pose a risk for liver cancer, and there is a possibility of occurrence even when liver function is normal. Therefore, it is recommended to have regular follow-up examinations every six months for early detection and treatment. 2. Regular check...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Essential Tests and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Hepatitis B: Antibodies, Treatment, and Risks Explained
Could you please provide more details about the liver issue? Hello, Doctor. 1. I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. If I have hepatitis B surface antibodies, does that mean I won't be infected with hepatitis B again? However, my previous hepatitis B antibody ...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. A positive Hepatitis B surface antibody indicates immunity, meaning you will not be reinfected with the Hepatitis B virus. Since your Hepatitis B antibody (surface antibody?) is negative, there is a possibility of Hepatitis B infection. Even if Hepatitis B is t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Antibodies, Treatment, and Risks Explained
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Liver function Hello Dr. Chen, I had a health check-up this year. The results showed S.G.O.P (AST) at 28 IU/L and S.G.P.T (ALT) at 42 IU/L. Is the slightly elevated SGPT indicative of liver function abnormalities? Please clarify. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the normal values for GOT and GPT are derived from screening many "healthy adults," which means that most healthy individuals fall within this range. However, there are occasional cases where individuals may be normal but slightly exceed this normal range. If the...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
How Long Does Hepatitis B Treatment Take and Frequency of Visits?
How is hepatitis B treated? The treatment duration for hepatitis B can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the infection and the specific treatment regimen. Generally, antiviral therapy may last for several months to years. If liver enzyme levels (such as...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment of Hepatitis B, the first step is to check liver function tests. If the levels are normal (typically GOT and GPT below 40), no treatment is necessary, but follow-up should be done every six months. If the levels are above 40, we need to assess the m...[Read More] How Long Does Hepatitis B Treatment Take and Frequency of Visits?
Understanding Hepatitis B Blood Tests: Preparation and FAQs
Hepatitis B blood test? Hello Dr. Chen: 1. I would like to ask, after receiving the third dose of the vaccine, is there anything I need to pay attention to regarding diet before getting a blood test to check for antibodies? 2. When testing for hepatitis B, can liver function be c...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. There are no specific contraindications, but please avoid alcohol if you are going to have liver function tests for GOT and GPT. 2. Yes. 3. You can come in the evening, but please arrive early, as the laboratory can only support until around 9 PM. Sincerely, Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Blood Tests: Preparation and FAQs
Can You Transmit Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?
Hepatitis B I was tested for hepatitis B antibodies over a decade ago. Am I contagious to others?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, I would like to clarify which "Hepatitis B antibody" you are referring to. If it is the surface antibody (anti-HBs), it indicates that you have been infected in the past and have recovered, which means you have immunity and are not contagious to others. However, ...[Read More] Can You Transmit Hepatitis B If You Have Antibodies?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing I apologize for the inconvenience, but I have already reviewed the frequently asked questions and did not find information related to my situation. Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor for assistance. After graduating from school, I underwent a health che...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello: HBsAg is the hepatitis B virus surface antigen, and a positive result indicates that there is a viral presence, meaning the individual is a carrier. HBeAb is the antibody to the surface antigen, indicating a past hepatitis B infection with developed immunity, meaning the i...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Carrier Status, Risks, and Dietary Management
Hepatitis B Hello, doctor. My boyfriend's mother has hepatitis B, and she transmitted it to him at birth. Is my boyfriend considered a carrier of hepatitis B? What is the difference between being a hepatitis B carrier and not being one? Is having an annual check-up sufficien...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello: If your boyfriend's blood test shows a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen, it means he is a carrier. A carrier is someone who has been infected with Hepatitis B and still harbors the virus in their body, whereas a non-carrier has either never been infected or has be...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Carrier Status, Risks, and Dietary Management
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns Explained
Hepatitis Hello, I had a blood test and my liver enzyme level is 173, which was previously in the 80s. I'm not sure how serious this is. The doctor prescribed me Silymarin 150mg, which seems to be 10mg more than usual! My liver enzyme levels fluctuate. The doctor said I do n...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello: Elevated liver enzymes indicate signs of liver inflammation, which may be caused by viral hepatitis types A, B, C, etc., or could be due to alcohol, medications, or fatty liver disease. Unlike cirrhosis, which involves scarring from repeated and long-term injury leading to...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: My husband recently underwent a liver biopsy at the hospital, and the results showed he has liver fibrosis stage 2. Could you please let me know what medications are currently available for treatment? Additionally, what lifestyle changes should we be awa...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, if you have hepatitis B with liver fibrosis, and your liver enzyme GPT (ALT) is abnormal, greater than twice the normal level, and HBeAg is positive, then you should receive antiviral treatment. This can reduce the level of inflammation and improve fibrosis. If inflammatio...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips