Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry and consultation? Hello Doctor: I had a liver ultrasound today. I have been associated with the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department since many years ago due to elevated liver enzymes. In my younger days, I often stayed up late and had a penchant for sweet foods ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which may sometimes cause fluctuations in liver enzyme levels, but typically involves minimal liver fibrosis. Once it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the liver may exhibit inflammation or fib...[Read More] Managing Fatty Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Hepatitis C Window Period and Follow-Up Testing Recommendations
HCV window period Hello Doctor, I previously had a suspected needlestick incident at the hospital (I had unexplained cuts on my finger, and at the time I didn't feel much, but later when I saw a doctor, they said to follow the needlestick protocol). I have since been tested ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The window period for Hepatitis C is approximately 3 months, during which a negative test result is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Window Period and Follow-Up Testing Recommendations
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Weight Issues ~ Weight Continues to Decrease Despite Normal Diet Hello, Doctor. My current health status is as follows: On December 3, 2020, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The attending physician explained that I have gastritis and mild ulcers, but my esophagus ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please discuss with the attending physician regarding the current data (hemangioma of the liver should only be monitored) and the management/consultation for weight loss.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Appetite: A Gastroenterology Concern
Should You Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine Boost? Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Should hepatitis B vaccination be administered or not? Hello Doctor, my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B and his levels are often high. In November 2019, I tested: HBsAg negative at 0.40 COI, and anti-HBs positive at 41.5. At that time, Doctor A advised me to receive the vacci...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If you don't mind/for the highest standard, administer one dose, then measure antibody levels after one month. After that, test every 2-3 years, and if the levels decrease, administer another dose, following the practices of healthcare workers.[Read More] Should You Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine Boost? Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Can You Get Infected with Hepatitis from Shared Utensils?
Is it possible to be infected? Hello doctor, I went to a buffet with friends one night and accidentally used chopsticks that belonged to someone else (a stranger). I would like to ask: 1. If that person has hepatitis B or C, is it possible for my friends and me to get infected? 2...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The transmission of hepatitis B through saliva is very rare, unless there is kissing involved and there are oral wounds present.[Read More] Can You Get Infected with Hepatitis from Shared Utensils?
Pregnant with Hepatitis B: How to Protect Your Partner
I want to get pregnant but I'm afraid of transmitting hepatitis B to my partner? Hello, Deputy Director. I was born with hepatitis B and have been undergoing regular check-ups. I am planning to get married and have a baby soon, so I probably won't be using condoms, but ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Individuals who have never received the hepatitis B vaccine and do not have natural hepatitis B antibodies should receive three doses over a total period of six months. If someone has previously received the hepatitis B vaccine but has no antibodies, they only need to receive a b...[Read More] Pregnant with Hepatitis B: How to Protect Your Partner
Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Your Ultrasound
Three liver nodules? Hello, I had a health check-up in August this year, and the ultrasound revealed three hypoechoic nodules in my liver (1.44 cm in segment 2, 0.97 cm in segment 4, and 1.64 cm in segment 7), along with mild fatty liver. My AFP levels are normal, and I have anti...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 26-year-old male underwent a health check and was found to have fatty liver and three hypoechoic liver nodules measuring less than 2 cm, with a family history of liver cancer. The differential diagnosis for liver nodules is extensive, including benign hepatic steatosis, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: What You Need to Know After Your Ultrasound
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Safely Receive the HPV Vaccine?
Can a hepatitis B carrier receive the HPV vaccine? I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If I receive the HPV vaccine, will it trigger an acute hepatitis B flare-up? It seems that the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can induce acute hepatitis B inflammation, is that correc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It should not trigger a hepatitis B flare-up, but regular monitoring is still necessary.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Safely Receive the HPV Vaccine?
Unclear Liver Biopsy Results: What Are Your Options?
If the liver biopsy results are inconclusive, what should be done? Hello, I do not have hepatitis B or C, but I have fatty liver disease. I undergo regular health check-ups every year. Last May, a 1.5 cm tumor was found in my liver, and the doctor advised continuous monitoring. H...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
According to standard principles, the first choice of treatment is surgery (with a low recurrence rate). If surgery is not feasible, then embolization combined with multipolar electrocautery (to expand the electrocautery area) and close monitoring can also be considered.[Read More] Unclear Liver Biopsy Results: What Are Your Options?
Understanding Elevated SGPT: Fatty Liver and Hepatitis Concerns
Elevated SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transamin Hello, I recently had a blood test at the clinic and found that my GOT level is normal at 39 U/L, while my GPT level is abnormal at 111 U/L. On the same day, I also had an ultrasound that revealed fatty liver. My body fat percenta...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is likely that the abnormal liver function is caused by fatty liver, but it is still recommended to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B or C. Additionally, blood lipids are not necessarily proportional to the severity of fatty liver. It is important to reduce starch intake...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT: Fatty Liver and Hepatitis Concerns
Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Switching Medications and Coverage in Taiwan
Medications and Switching for Hepatitis B Hello, I currently reside in New York City, and I have been prescribed Vemlidy for my hepatitis B condition. I have been taking it for over a year. However, I plan to move back to Taichung City, Taiwan. Will I be able to receive Vemlidy a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If treatment is initiated with medications not covered by the national health insurance, it may be difficult to continue the medication upon returning to the country. It is necessary to have all relevant examination records and medical history copies from the United States prepar...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Switching Medications and Coverage in Taiwan
Understanding Early Cirrhosis: Autoimmune Liver Disease Insights and Management
Liver issues - Cirrhosis Hello Doctor, two years ago during a health check-up, fetal alpha-fetoprotein was found to be 13.8, and both GOT and GPT levels were elevated. An ultrasound indicated that the liver appeared enlarged, suggesting liver fibrosis. Blood tests ruled out hepat...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Your situation is quite unique; there is significant individual variation in autoimmune hepatitis, and medication regimens can differ accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to tailor the treatment to your specific condition. Please discuss this further with your attending physic...[Read More] Understanding Early Cirrhosis: Autoimmune Liver Disease Insights and Management
Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status: When to Consider Treatment
Hepatitis B carrier issues? Hello, Dr. Chen. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. A few days ago, I returned for a follow-up appointment, and my test results showed a hepatitis B surface antibody level of 8540 (+). The doctor did not prescribe any medication and only advised me to cont...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If only the surface antigen is positive, with a high concentration but no liver cirrhosis and normal liver function (AST/ALT), medication is still not recommended.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status: When to Consider Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, E Antigen, and Immunity Concerns
Hepatitis B issues I am currently undergoing treatment with Viread for hepatitis B, and my E antigen is still positive. Am I eligible for immunity regulations, or do I need to undergo a liver biopsy to obtain proof?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It does not meet the criteria, but it is essential to continue medication monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Treatment, E Antigen, and Immunity Concerns
Are There Effective Treatments for Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan?
Is there a specific medication for cirrhosis? Hello, Director. I am a bride from Mainland China. My sister-in-law has had hepatitis B since she was young. Due to the lack of obvious symptoms, she did not pay much attention to managing this condition. Now at 40 years old, with fou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to use antiviral medications long-term (such as Baraclude or Hepsera) and to undergo regular ultrasound monitoring.[Read More] Are There Effective Treatments for Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan?
Do I Need Hepatitis B Testing After a Needle Stick Injury?
Hepatitis B testing Hello Dr. Chen, today I accidentally pricked my hand with a Protaper used by a hepatitis B patient while at work. The Protaper has been soaked in disinfectant solution and cleaned, but it has not been sterilized in an autoclave. The puncture site did not bleed...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If there is no bleeding, it may not be necessary. If concerned, one can check whether the hepatitis B surface antibodies have disappeared.[Read More] Do I Need Hepatitis B Testing After a Needle Stick Injury?
Understanding Pain Under the Ribs: Liver or Gallbladder Issues?
Pain in the inner lower area of the left and right ribs? Hello, due to work-related socializing, I occasionally drink alcohol. Around the end of last year, I started to notice a soreness under the left and right ribs after drinking. My medical history includes mild gastritis, spe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 40-year-old male is experiencing soreness in the inner area below the left and right ribs after drinking alcohol. The pain slightly improves when taking B vitamins or clam extract. An ultrasound shows fatty liver, with no significant gallstones or biliary issues. Long-te...[Read More] Understanding Pain Under the Ribs: Liver or Gallbladder Issues?
Understanding Positive Results for Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Tests
Regarding the positive results for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)? Hello, doctor. Recently, due to my internship, I had tests for hepatitis B antigens and antibodies, but the report showed that both the antigen and antibody we...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hepatitis B antigen may yield a false positive result and should be monitored after 3 to 6 months. If concerned, a self-paid test for Hepatitis B viral load can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Positive Results for Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Tests
Consultation on Hepatitis B Testing Categories and Recommendations
Consultation on Hepatitis B Testing Categories Hello Dr. Chen, thank you for your previous response. Some time ago, I tested several hepatitis B markers: HBsAg <0.10 (negative, reference value <1, NHI code 14032), Anti-HBs 12.91 (positive, reference value ≥12, NHI code 1403...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If antibodies are already present, additional testing may not be necessary. Testing is only required for acute hepatitis B.[Read More] Consultation on Hepatitis B Testing Categories and Recommendations
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Consultation on Hepatitis B Testing Directions Hello Dr. Chen, thank you for your previous response. Today, I went to the municipal hospital's health examination center for tests related to hepatitis B. The test results are as follows: HBsAg <0.10 negative (reference valu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If you have antibodies against hepatitis B and are immune, there is no need for further testing.[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?