Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Cirrhosis Dear Vice President Tsai, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, thank you. 1. What are the causes of liver nodules? Does the presence of liver nodules indicate the presence of liver cirrhosis? 2. Can liver cirrhosis be detected through ultrasound? 3. If the ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Cirrhosis can be detected through ultrasound, which may appear coarse; however, the liver does not necessarily exhibit signs of fibrosis. The definition of cirrhosis involves hepatocyte necrosis, with the remaining liver cells regenerating to form nodular structures surrounded by...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fibrosis Insights
Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Questions after completing a six-month interferon treatment? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently completed 25 weeks of interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I have been undergoing regular follow-ups with blood tests and abdom...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang! Dear Doctor: I just completed a 25-week interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, so I have regular follow-ups every six months for blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Before the end of 2004, my liver func...[Read More] Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Improving Liver Function: Addressing Yellowing Skin and Thyroid Health
Yellowing of the hands and slight yellowing of the face? Hello, I would like to ask how to improve poor liver function? My hands are yellowish, but I do not have jaundice. Additionally, will taking medication for hypothyroidism help restore normal function, and what are the chanc...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Poor liver function requires identifying the underlying cause and treating it accordingly to improve the condition. Common causes include chronic viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, alcohol-related issues, biliary problems, endocrine disorders (such...[Read More] Improving Liver Function: Addressing Yellowing Skin and Thyroid Health
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Expert Insights from Dr. Hsu
Could you please provide more context or information regarding your question for Dr. Hsu? Dear Dr. Hsu, Hello! You are an authority in the field of liver disease research in our country, and I sincerely appreciate your responses. I apologize for continuously asking you questions...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. I have never heard such a statement. 2. It is possible for it to disappear, but there is no specific timeline for its disappearance. In Taiwan, there is approximately a 70% chance that an infection with Hepatitis C will progress to chronic Hepatitis C. 3. There is still...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Expert Insights from Dr. Hsu
Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks, Transmission, and Recovery Insights
Hepatitis C issues Hello, Doctor: I apologize for asking you again about hepatitis C issues: 1. If hepatitis C is not contracted through blood transfusion (for example, due to improperly sterilized injection equipment in medical facilities), is the likelihood of it progressing to...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. There is no such statement. 2. Having antibodies for hepatitis C but a negative HCV RNA test indicates that there is no active hepatitis C infection, making it unlikely to transmit to others. 3. It will not happen. 4. This possibility cannot be ruled out.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks, Transmission, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Hepatitis C: Questions on Diagnosis, Transmission, and Treatment
Hepatitis C-related issues Hello Doctor: My husband donated blood about ten years ago, and afterward, the blood donation center sent a notification stating that my husband tested positive for hepatitis C surface antibodies. Since then, my husband has consistently had GOT and GPT ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Doctor: My husband donated blood about ten years ago, and afterward, the blood donation center sent a notification stating that he tested positive for hepatitis C surface antibodies. Since then, his GOT and GPT levels have consistently been around 20. He does not smoke or ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Questions on Diagnosis, Transmission, and Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Virus Load vs. Liver Enzymes
When treating hepatitis C, should the focus be on the virus or on GOT and GPT levels? Hello Doctor, my father has been diagnosed with hepatitis C and has completed a full course of interferon treatment. While his GOT and GPT levels have decreased, the viral load has not reduced. ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The letter mentioned that your father's GOT and GPT levels have decreased. Have they returned to normal now? Has the viral load not decreased? What were the previous levels, and what are they currently? The treatment for hepatitis C primarily considers GOT and GPT lev...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Virus Load vs. Liver Enzymes
Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission and Related Health Concerns
What are the modes of transmission for hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. This can occur through sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood products, or through certain medical procedures that involve unsterilized equipment. It is...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The transmission routes of hepatitis C are similar to those of hepatitis B, spreading through contact with blood and bodily fluids. Transmission can occur through blood transfusions (since 1994, blood banks have implemented screening), intravenous drug use, unprotecte...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission and Related Health Concerns
Exploring the Effectiveness of Hepatitis Health Supplements Developed by ITRI
Health supplements for liver protection developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute? Hello, recently there has been an advertisement on Weilai TV for "liver health supplements," featuring several PhD experts explaining that the product was developed using ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
The "liver health food" developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute is also classified as a health supplement, but its effectiveness in reducing hepatitis remains questionable. If your hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis C virus, then the aforementioned s...[Read More] Exploring the Effectiveness of Hepatitis Health Supplements Developed by ITRI
Can Interferon Reduce Liver Cancer Recurrence After Surgery?
Regarding post-operative care for liver cancer? Hello Doctor: Can interferon reduce the recurrence rate of liver cancer (caused by hepatitis C)? Is it suitable to administer injections post-surgery for patients with Child-Pugh Class B cirrhosis? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Wimmie: Although interferon has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of small hepatocellular carcinoma, it has many side effects and is not yet widely used for patients with Child-Pugh class B or higher liver cirrhosis. Please discuss the benefits and risks with your ph...[Read More] Can Interferon Reduce Liver Cancer Recurrence After Surgery?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Do Your GOT and GPT Levels Mean?
Liver function tests Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I recently had my liver function tests, and my AST (GOT) level is 39 U/L, while my ALT (GPT) level is 69 U/L.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Lai Wenzheng: Please visit the Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient clinic to determine the cause of your condition (such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or fatty liver, etc.). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Do Your GOT and GPT Levels Mean?
Understanding C Hepatitis: Treatment Options and New Drug Insights
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C and Sjögren's syndrome. He has been taking immunosuppressive and liver-protective medications regularly, and he also undergoes regular blood tests and ultrasounds. However, for over a year, his ALT (GPT) and AST (GOP) level...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The medication mentioned in the letter is not a new drug; it is an old drug, but it is not used for the treatment of hepatitis C. The efficacy of this medication is unclear. Currently, the treatment for hepatitis C involves long-acting interferon combined with oral antivir...[Read More] Understanding C Hepatitis: Treatment Options and New Drug Insights
Can Gan An Neng Cure Hepatitis B? Insurance Coverage and Costs Explained
What is the deadline for personal payment under the National Health Insurance in Taiwan? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask if Gan An Neng can truly cure Hepatitis B completely. Is there a possibility of that? Also, I have been taking Gan An Neng for almost a year and a half now...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Sam: 1. Hepatitis medications can inhibit viral replication, but to eliminate the virus, the patient must develop antibodies. Generally, the success rate after one year is about 30%. Prolonged treatment may lead to a higher success rate, but there is also a risk of treatm...[Read More] Can Gan An Neng Cure Hepatitis B? Insurance Coverage and Costs Explained
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Hepatitis B e-antigen negative, e-antibody positive, but liver function is abnormal? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Two years ago, my HBeAg was negative and my HBeAb was positive, but recently my liver function has been abnormal (over 400), and my HBV DNA is 77,754,500. I ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! If you are a mutant strain and want to receive health insurance coverage, a liver biopsy is required. If the health insurance coverage is for 12 to 18 months without a liver biopsy, it is actually a well-established procedure that is performed daily. Moreover, a careful as...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding HCV RNA Genotyping: What Does 2b Mean?
I'm sorry, but I "HCV RNA genotyping → 2b" refers to the genotyping of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA, specifically indicating that the strain of the virus is classified as genotype 2b.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, GF: 2b refers to one of the typical genotypes of the hepatitis C virus, which is related to the success rate of antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding HCV RNA Genotyping: What Does 2b Mean?
Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
Liver function index issues? Hello Doctor: Today I received the test report from the Foundation for Liver Cancer Prevention and Treatment, and the results are as follows: Hepatitis B surface antigen: + Hepatitis B surface antibody: + Hepatitis C antibody: - AST (GOT): 36 ALT (GPT...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. A positive surface antigen (HBsAg positive) indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body, meaning you are a carrier of hepatitis B. If you recover, you will develop hepatitis B antibodies, resulting in a positive HBsAb and a negative HBsAg. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Function Test Results: What They Mean for You
What to Do If Your Mom Has Hepatitis C: Treatment and Risks
My mother has hepatitis C. What should I do? My mother has this condition. What should we do? Previously, she went to an otolaryngologist due to strange sounds in her ears, and it was later found that her GOT and GPT levels were elevated, her platelet count was low, and her lymph...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Charles: Hepatitis C may have progressed to cirrhosis or hepatitis without symptoms, which is why you should seek medical attention. Please visit a hepatology or gastroenterology clinic.[Read More] What to Do If Your Mom Has Hepatitis C: Treatment and Risks
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
GPT is elevated? My GPT level is 40 U/L, which is somewhat elevated. What possible conditions could this indicate, and what are the associated symptoms? Should I undergo further testing or treatment? I often feel fatigued; could this be due to staying up late, lack of sleep, or d...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. GPT40 does not cause fatigue and does not require treatment. 2. Common causes include fatty liver, as well as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and drug-induced hepatitis... (there are many possible causes). Follow-up examinations should be conducted in 1 to 3 months. Director Chen Sh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Next Steps
Managing Hepatitis B and C with Fatty Liver: Treatment Options
Hepatitis B + Hepatitis C with abnormal indices, along with fatty liver? As mentioned in the topic, is there any medication available?
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Abnormal liver function tests may be related to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or fatty liver disease. Therefore, you need to first determine the cause of your inflammation. If it is caused by the hepatitis B virus, appropriate antiviral medications for hepatitis B should be us...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B and C with Fatty Liver: Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Liver Function and Treatment Options
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C, but he has been regularly visiting the clinic every three months for blood tests and ultrasounds. From last year to this year, his liver enzyme levels have remained between 80 and 90, but they do not exceed 100. The doctor info...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. The liver enzymes are in the range of 80 to 90, indicating that the liver is in a state of inflammation. However, whether immediate pharmacological treatment is necessary requires long-term observation. Some physicians suggest that early treatment can reduce the risk of...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Liver Function and Treatment Options