Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Amylase and lipase? I would like to ask about my son's situation. He is in his twenties and was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in August 2022. During an emergency visit, his lipase level was 82. When we followed up with a gastroenterologist, the doctor mentioned that t...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Causes of elevated lipase levels include acute and chronic pancreatitis, renal failure, cholecystitis, intestinal obstruction or infarction, duodenal ulcers, pancreatic stones, pancreatic tumors, diabetes, hepatitis C infection, HIV infection, hyperlipasemia, inflammatory bowel d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lipase Levels: A Guide for Concerned Parents
Concerns About Blood Tests: Infection Risks and Protein Levels Explained
Blood draw and globulin, alkaline phosphatase? Hello, Doctor: (1) Last time, I consulted you regarding case number <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/206612">#206612</a>. I apologize for any unclear expression on my part and would like to ask again. I went...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Trust the test results from the hospital. 2. White blood cell counts can naturally fluctuate. 3. If the results are normal, there is no need to worry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Tests: Infection Risks and Protein Levels Explained
Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
An elevated AFP level of 13 and a 0.6 cm nodule may raise concerns for liver cancer, but further evaluation is necessary. It is important to consider additional factors such as imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and possibly a biopsy to determine the nature of the nodu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Risk factors for liver cancer include individuals with chronic hepatitis (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and autoimmune liver diseases), a family history of liver cancer, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, obesity with metabolic liver disease, and certain environmental factors su...[Read More] Is a Slightly Elevated AFP and a 0.6 cm Nodule Indicative of Liver Cancer?
Does Epclusa Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes and Trigger Hyperthyroidism?
The hepatitis C medication Epclusa? Hello Doctor, my mother is 76 years old and has a history of hypertension. Last year, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and was prescribed Epclusa for treatment. After completing the 8-week course, she stopped the medication at the end of Dece...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There are very few reports of this; it can be managed under the supervision of a physician.[Read More] Does Epclusa Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes and Trigger Hyperthyroidism?
Can Prolonged Exposure of Blood Draw Needles Lead to Contamination?
Will a blood draw needle that is exposed to the air for too long become contaminated? Hello, doctor: Two weeks ago, I went to a private laboratory for a blood draw. The technician opened the needle cap and was preparing to draw blood, but due to discussions about other tests and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There should be no contamination (there have been no reports of it), so please rest assured.[Read More] Can Prolonged Exposure of Blood Draw Needles Lead to Contamination?
Understanding the Risk of Hepatitis C Transmission in Hair Salons
Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection When a hairstylist uses electric clippers to trim the sideburns and accidentally cuts a pimple, resulting in a wound less than one centimeter that is bleeding, there is a potential risk of infection if the previous client had hepatitis C. News ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Comparing the risks, a razor poses more danger than nail clippers. Electric clippers cause bleeding wounds less frequently, but proper disinfection is still necessary.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Hepatitis C Transmission in Hair Salons
How Long After Hepatitis C Treatment Should You Wait to Conceive?
How long after completing hepatitis C treatment can one start trying to conceive? My husband started taking Epclusa film-coated tablets for the treatment of hepatitis C in November last year, with the last day of treatment on February 3, 2024. How long should we wait after stoppi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no research basis; it is generally recommended to wait for at least 3 to 6 months.[Read More] How Long After Hepatitis C Treatment Should You Wait to Conceive?
Can You Get Hepatitis B, C, or HIV from Touching Blood-Stained Cotton?
Hepatitis B and C transmission issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a chance of being infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV if I have dry, peeling, and cracked skin on my hands (which has scabbed over) and I accidentally touched a cotton ball with blood...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are slim but cannot be guaranteed (the blood source attributes should be unknown); gloves should still be worn in the future.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B, C, or HIV from Touching Blood-Stained Cotton?
Can You Drink Alcohol in Moderation After Curing Hepatitis C?
Can a person who has been cured of hepatitis C consume alcohol in moderation? I would like to ask the doctor, I was diagnosed with hepatitis C at the end of 2020. I started oral medication treatment in March 2021 for three months, and after completing the treatment, I followed up...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is acceptable not to have cirrhosis, but be sure to avoid driving after consuming alcohol.[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol in Moderation After Curing Hepatitis C?
Understanding Fatty Liver and Kidney Stones: Dietary Insights and Management
Abdominal ultrasound Hello Doctor: Last year, due to abdominal pain, I was examined and found to have kidney stones and moderate fatty liver. Over the past year, my weight has been stable at 92 kg (height 166 cm), and I have been controlling my diet for about a year. I believe I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
The patient has moderate obesity with a BMI of 33.3, and there are kidney stones present with minimal changes observed in the follow-up ultrasound. The abdominal ultrasound shows slight changes in non-fatty areas and multiple small right-sided kidney stones. It is recommended to ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver and Kidney Stones: Dietary Insights and Management
Can I Have Safe Sex with Hepatitis C Using Protection?
Hepatitis C and Sexual Behavior Hello doctor, I am a female with hepatitis C. I would like to ask if it is safe to engage in sexual intercourse with my boyfriend while he is using a condom. Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is still recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible for viral load testing and antiviral treatment, as there are no concerns about transmitting the virus to others.[Read More] Can I Have Safe Sex with Hepatitis C Using Protection?
Understanding Positive HCV Test Results: Next Steps and Concerns
Hepatitis C testing issues? Hello, doctor. I recently underwent a self-paid health check (anti-HCV) and was notified by the hospital that I have a positive reaction for hepatitis C. Does this mean that I am definitely infected with hepatitis C? Should I inquire about the concentr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If the hepatitis C virus has not been treated, an RNA test will be conducted. If the RNA test is positive, treatment is essential.[Read More] Understanding Positive HCV Test Results: Next Steps and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Liver Health
The fetal protein index is elevated? In September of this year, I underwent a comprehensive physical examination with the following results: GOT/31, GPT/61.8, R-GT/66, AFP/13.3. Based on the report, I was advised to go to the hospital for further evaluation. In early October, the...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to discuss further with the attending physician, including screening for testicular cancer.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein Levels: Next Steps for Liver Health
Understanding Your Hepatitis C Antibody Test Results: What Does 0.06 Mean?
Hepatitis C testing issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my hepatitis C antibody test report. The value for anti-HCV is 0.06 (-); the normal range is <1.00 (-). Does this indicate a negative result? If it is negative, why does the value 0.06 appear? Thank you for yo...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The principle of a negative test result does not imply that the result is zero.[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis C Antibody Test Results: What Does 0.06 Mean?
Understanding Positive HCV Antibody Results: Key Questions Answered
Hepatitis C testing issues? Hello Doctor: I recently wanted to donate blood, and I was informed by the blood donation center that my hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) test result from a year ago was positive. The blood donation center then conducted a retest, and after a year, the ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Previously infected with hepatitis C, has naturally healed/cleared the hepatitis C virus, currently does not have hepatitis C, only has lifelong (weak) positive antibodies.[Read More] Understanding Positive HCV Antibody Results: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Hepatitis B and C Test Results: A Guide for Families
Questions regarding the test values for Hepatitis B and C? My father (68) was recently diagnosed with hepatitis B, so my mother and I went for hepatitis B and C screening. I had to pay out of pocket, which takes longer, while my mother received her test results through the health...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Please return for a follow-up appointment to review the test results as scheduled. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C Test Results: A Guide for Families
Does Hepatitis C Treatment Affect Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Does hepatitis C treatment affect the glomerular filtration rate? My father is 75 years old and has three high conditions, which are currently managed with medication. He started taking Epclusa for hepatitis C on July 5th of this year. Before starting the medication, his glomerul...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Will hepatitis C treatment medications affect glomerular filtration rate? According to the prescribing information for Epclusa, no dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with any degree of renal impairment, including those requiring dialysis. The medications may slightly aff...[Read More] Does Hepatitis C Treatment Affect Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Dishes?
Questions about Hepatitis C transmission? If a person with a wound on their hand is infected with hepatitis B or C and their blood contaminates utensils while washing them, is there a risk of transmission through food the next day?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The chances are very low; most infections occur due to direct contamination of wounds or puncture wounds with fresh blood or bodily fluids.[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Dishes?
Risk of Hepatitis C Infection from Blood Splash: What You Need to Know
Exposure to blood splatter from a patient with hepatitis C? Hello, doctor. I am a nursing staff member at a certain hospital. Today, after performing dialysis on a patient, I accidentally got blood mixed with saline splashed into my eyes while cleaning the equipment. I can confir...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to first confirm the patient's viral load (patients with hepatitis C on dialysis have repeatedly been advised by the association to undergo definitive treatment to prevent transmission to others) and notify the infection control physician at your hospital. ...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis C Infection from Blood Splash: What You Need to Know
Can Sharing Saline Solution with Grandma Spread Hepatitis C or B?
Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B infections? If my grandmother has hepatitis C or hepatitis B and we share the same bottle of saline solution to clean wounds, is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is advisable to avoid exposure. Fluid contamination can potentially transmit infections, primarily through fresh blood.[Read More] Can Sharing Saline Solution with Grandma Spread Hepatitis C or B?