Managing Hepatitis C in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has been diagnosed with hepatitis C, but he is 70 years old and is unwilling to undergo a liver biopsy or receive interferon treatment, so he started receiving injections. On September 5, 1994, his lab results showed GOT: 145 and GPT: 254, and ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! First, I need to clarify what the "Japanese injection" mentioned in the letter refers to in terms of medication. Additionally, based on the test values provided in the letter, it seems that the so-called "Japanese injection" has not demonstrated its exp...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Options When Interferon Fails
Hepatitis C treatment Hello Dr. Chen, my father was diagnosed with hepatitis C previously. After a liver biopsy, his condition was deemed eligible for National Health Insurance coverage. He has been receiving weekly injections (which he believes are interferon) and taking medicat...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Doctor, my father was previously diagnosed with hepatitis C. After a liver biopsy, his condition was deemed eligible for insurance coverage. He has to go to the hospital every week for injections (which he says are likely interferon), and he also takes medication regularly...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Options When Interferon Fails
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Health Tips for Young Adults
Liver enzyme issues? I have a classmate who is 19 years old. Two months ago, he underwent a school entrance health check, and the report just came out showing elevated levels: GOT 61 and GPT 105. However, he does not have hepatitis B. What could be the possible issues, and how sh...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Although the tests showed no hepatitis B, I'm not sure if hepatitis C was checked. Have you had an ultrasound done by a hepatobiliary specialist? It would be good to check for fatty liver as well. Have you taken any medications recently or consumed alcohol? These fact...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Health Tips for Young Adults
How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?
Elevated bilirubin levels? I was diagnosed with hepatitis C in October, and while my levels are still normal, my bilirubin is elevated, which has prevented me from obtaining insurance. Is there a way to lower bilirubin levels? Thank you!
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated jaundice indicates an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, which can be caused by hemolysis, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction, among others. Treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause. 2. Hepatitis ...[Read More] How to Lower High Bilirubin Levels for Better Health?
Understanding Your Hepatitis Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis testing issues? Hello Dr. Li: I would like to ask about the issues in my hepatitis B test report, as I do not understand it. The report has a total of five items, and items 1 to 4 for HBsAg are all negative. However, the fifth item, HCV Ab, is positive. Does this mean t...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! The information you provided is quite limited, but based on the data in the letter, your HBsAg (−) indicates that you currently do not have hepatitis B. However, it's important to check whether you have immunity to hepatitis B, so you should see if you have been teste...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?
What is a hyperrechoic nodule? Ultrasound examination revealed two hyperechoic nodules, one old (0.7 cm) and one newly detected (2 cm). AFP level is 2.6. A request was made for a CT scan, but the physician stated it was unnecessary and that monitoring is sufficient. Should I seek...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
A hyperechoic nodule refers to a finding on ultrasound examination that appears brighter than the surrounding liver parenchyma. The causes are numerous, including intrahepatic bile duct stones, vascular wall calcification, hepatic hemangiomas, and even early-stage liver tumors, a...[Read More] Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Jaundice: Risks, Recovery, and Antibody Production
Jaundice issues Hello doctor, a year and a half ago my liver function was abnormal with levels reaching 864. Now my liver function is normal, but I have not produced antibodies, and recently my jaundice has risen to 1.6. Does this indicate a potential relapse? Is the absence of a...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Your liver enzyme levels were abnormal but have now returned to normal, yet no antibodies have appeared. Which specific antibodies are you referring to? Are you a patient with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C? Is a bilirubin level of 1.6 considered abnormal? Observing your long-...[Read More] Understanding Jaundice: Risks, Recovery, and Antibody Production
Preventing Hepatitis C Transmission in Daily Life: Essential Tips
Hepatitis C Hello Dr. Hsu: I would like to ask if hepatitis C can be transmitted in daily life, for example, when family members eat together at the same table or share utensils. If a family member has hepatitis C, how can one prevent transmission? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! The transmission route of hepatitis C is through blood-to-wound contact, so general everyday contact or sharing meals does not result in the transmission of hepatitis C. Please rest assured.[Read More] Preventing Hepatitis C Transmission in Daily Life: Essential Tips
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks and Recovery Insights
Transmission routes of Hepatitis B? Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed as a healthy carrier of hepatitis B. How long does it take for the carrier status to resolve? Also, can kissing transmit the virus to my girlfriend? I found an article online, and I'm unsure if it'...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! 1. In Taiwan, once infected with hepatitis B, there is a high probability of becoming a lifelong carrier, so if hepatitis B is detected, regular follow-up is essential. 2. The concentration of hepatitis B virus in human blood or semen is relatively high, while other fluids...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission: Risks and Recovery Insights
Does Staying Up Late Worsen Hepatitis C? Tips for Liver Health
Hepatitis C ~ Staying up late!? Dr. Lin, I would like to ask again! Since I am a student, it's common for me to study until 1 or 2 AM. I want to know if this will worsen my liver condition! Also, aside from taking medication and receiving interferon treatment, what foods are...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Excessive fatigue can lead to liver inflammation. If you must stay up late, make sure to catch up on sleep whenever possible. 2. There are no specific foods that can energize the liver. It is generally recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, maintain a balan...[Read More] Does Staying Up Late Worsen Hepatitis C? Tips for Liver Health
Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Liver function tests (LFTs) My liver enzyme levels are GOT 71 and GPT 178. I contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion when I was young. Currently, I am preparing for graduate school and would like to know if I need to start interferon treatment immediately. I have visited ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes indicate inflammation in the liver. Causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis, fatty liver, medications, and fatigue. 2. In chronic hepatitis C, liver enzyme levels may fluctuate. An ultrasound may also reveal fatty liver. Prolonged liver inf...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Enzymes: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes
Managing Medication for Chronic Hepatitis B: To Continue or Not?
Medication issues related to dry eye syndrome? Hello: I previously underwent treatment for hepatitis B (taking Entecavir) for a year and a half, but my HBeAg remains positive. My ALT and AST levels are both around 200. My physician friends are divided on the issue: one group supp...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Indeed, as you mentioned in your letter, there are differing opinions in the medical community regarding your condition. However, without your detailed medical history for reference, I cannot provide appropriate advice. Have you had your HBV DNA tested again? Have you chec...[Read More] Managing Medication for Chronic Hepatitis B: To Continue or Not?
Managing Co-Infection of Hepatitis B and C: Treatment and Home Care Tips
Treatment and Home Adjustment for Concurrent Hepatitis B and C Infection Hello Doctor: 1. If a patient is confirmed to have both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, it is said that the treatment approach for Hepatitis C (using interferon and antiviral medications) may be more effectiv...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Co-infection with hepatitis B and C is more complex to treat because there is an interaction between the two viruses; one may suppress the other. Treating one virus may lead to the suppression or activation of the other. The specific circumstances under which t...[Read More] Managing Co-Infection of Hepatitis B and C: Treatment and Home Care Tips
Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor: In October of last year (93rd year), my health check report showed liver function indices SGOT: 42, SGPT: 98, HBsAg: negative, HBsAb: positive. A nearby clinic's scanning physician indicated that I have mild fatty liver. Since then, I have b...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello, abnormal liver function tests can be caused by several factors, including hepatitis B and C, as well as fatty liver disease. Other potential causes include medications, alcohol consumption, biliary issues, autoimmune hepatitis, and hereditary metabolic disorders. I would l...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Can Hepatitis C Patients Improve Without a Liver Transplant?
Is it possible for a hepatitis C patient to recover without a liver transplant? What should individuals who undergo a liver transplant and liver donors pay attention to? Also, is the success rate of finding a suitable liver for transplantation low? If a liver transplant is needed...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! Liver transplantation and liver donation indeed have their important considerations. However, the information in the letter is not very clear. It is unclear why a liver transplant is needed, as not every type of liver disease requires a transplant. Therefore, it is difficu...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Improve Without a Liver Transplant?
Understanding GOT and GPT Levels: Impact of Arthritis Medications
Issues related to GOT and GPT? Last December during my health check, my GOT was 18 and GPT was 18. Recently, after taking medication for arthritis, my GOT increased to 42 and GPT to 81. Will stopping the medication lower these levels back to their original values?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of abnormal liver function, with common ones including chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse, medications, and other viral hepatitis or autoimmune diseases. Mr. Wang's liver function has recently shown abnormalities...[Read More] Understanding GOT and GPT Levels: Impact of Arthritis Medications
Understanding Ascites and Jaundice in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Ascites with jaundice Please help my mother. She is seventy-five years old and has been diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysm. She underwent surgery at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, being admitted on February 23 and having the operation on March 1. She h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Based on the information in the letter, your mother's condition still requires close monitoring. The current presence of jaundice and ascites raises the question of whether these issues have been determined to be due to other factors or related to hepatitis C. If it i...[Read More] Understanding Ascites and Jaundice in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Should You Consider a Biopsy for Liver Tumors? Expert Insights
Should a puncture be performed...? Dear Dr. Chen, I have some questions and would like to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your patient explanations! Patient history: Hepatitis C + Fatty Liver - 2003-10-16: 80 / 187 / 5.07 - 2004-12-13: 74 / 156 / 4.32 - 2005-03-14: 65 / 137 /...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Response: Hello, I have limited experience with the diagnosis of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) and can only provide information based on literature. 1. Most cases of FNH can be diagnosed through imaging studies without the need for histological confirmation. However, if imagi...[Read More] Should You Consider a Biopsy for Liver Tumors? Expert Insights
Understanding Liver Function Tests: High GPT Levels and Health Tips
Liver function A few days ago, I had a blood test, and my results were as follows: GOP 25, GPT 46, ALK 127, R-GT 62.9, with the rest being normal. I would like to know why my GOP is normal but my GPT is elevated. I couldn't find similar Q&A, so what could be the possible...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, (1) GPT primarily exists within liver cells, and abnormal GPT levels (usually standard value <40) indicate liver cell damage. Common causes in Taiwan include viral hepatitis (chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C), fatty liver, medications, and alcohol consumption. R...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: High GPT Levels and Health Tips
Understanding ALT Levels: Myths, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Is "serum transaminase (ALT)" commonly referred to as "blood oil," and can it easily cause numbness in the hands and feet? How can I help it return to normal? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, ALT is an indicator of liver inflammation, not "blood lipids," and it does not cause numbness in the hands and feet. If abnormal, you should seek medical evaluation to determine the cause of the liver inflammation, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver, e...[Read More] Understanding ALT Levels: Myths, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips