Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Liver function tests (LFTs) Hello, Doctor. I have been serving in the Coast Guard for about five years. Due to work-related issues, I have been experiencing irregular sleep patterns. I read in the newspaper that there were patients whose liver function tests showed normal results...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. A general liver function test includes blood tests and ultrasound examinations. 2. The liver enzymes commonly referred to are AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT). When AST and ALT levels are elevated, it is important to investigate the underlying causes. Common causes in ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What You Need to Know for Accurate Results
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Liver issues? Hello! I had a health check-up at the hospital last week, and the results indicated that my liver enzymes are elevated. What could be the possible reasons for this? Are there dietary factors or other issues that might contribute to elevated liver enzyme levels?
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Elevated liver enzymes generally refer to high levels of GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT). Common causes in Taiwan include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and drug or alcohol abuse. Additionally, other conditions such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune issues...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Dietary Impact
Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Liver enzyme levels have consistently been elevated? Hello Doctor: I am 26 years old, and I have had normal health check-ups before university. However, since my university entrance examination, my liver enzymes GPT and GOT have been slightly elevated above normal values. Since t...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, the common reasons for elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) levels include hepatitis B and C, drug-induced fatty liver, and autoimmune diseases. A small portion of cases may have unknown causes not related to the currently known hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E). If the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Persistently Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Insights
Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
The disappearance of the E antigen and persistently elevated liver enzymes? Hello Dr. Hsu: I am a patient with hepatitis B, without hepatitis C, and I do not drink alcohol. I have been receiving liver protection medication from the hospital for the past five to six years, but my ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello lbkth888! 1. Your condition can be considered for treatment with long-acting interferon, which has shown good results. However, as you mentioned, your e-antigen is negative, indicating that you are a patient with a mutated strain of hepatitis B. In this situation, the e-a...[Read More] Managing High Liver Enzymes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Hepatitis A, B, and C? 1. For Hepatitis A, if an individual has been infected and shows protective immunity, the laboratory report will typically indicate the presence of IgG antibodies against Hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV IgG). This means that even if they have been infected, the...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello! 1. To determine if you have immunity to Hepatitis A, you only need to check for the presence of Hepatitis A antibodies (IgG anti-HAV). A positive result indicates that you have immunity and will not be infected. 2. Your second question is quite vague; it only mentions Hepa...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C: Interpreting Test Results and Immunity
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diet, and Symptoms Explained
Gallbladder polyp Symptoms: Gallbladder polyp 0.4 cm; GPT 40, GOT 30; mild fatty liver, no hepatitis C, positive for hepatitis B antibodies; blood lipids and blood glucose are normal. Duration: This was discovered during a hospital examination two days ago; an ultrasound six mont...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The examination results indicate that liver function is within the normal range, and there is no evidence of hepatitis B or C. The presence of hepatitis B antibodies suggests that there will be no future infection with the hepatitis B virus. The ultrasound examination uses images...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Diet, and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Normal Ranges Explained
Elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase Hello, doctor. I recently had a blood test and found that my ALT level is elevated, around 46. I previously went to the hospital and was diagnosed with fatty liver. Could you please tell me if my elevated ALT is due to fatty liver or if ther...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Fatty liver can potentially cause elevated GPT levels, but there may also be other factors such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, recent use of specific medications, or alcohol consumption. If none of these factors are present, then it is likely due to fatty liver. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Normal Ranges Explained
Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Yellow Tongue and Fatigue?
excuse me? I have been waking up every morning with a yellowish tongue and often feel very fatigued. Should I consider seeing a hepatobiliary specialist for this condition?
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! A yellowish tongue is indeed uncommon, and it would be advisable to have it evaluated by a hepatologist. I'm not sure if you have undergone any liver disease tests, such as for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C?[Read More] Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Yellow Tongue and Fatigue?
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Size Guidelines, and Dietary Impact
Gallbladder polyp During a liver ultrasound examination at the hospital, a 0.4 cm polyp was unexpectedly found in the gallbladder. What issues could this cause? At what size should it be removed? What are the possible causes? Can dietary changes help it disappear? Additionally, m...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, regarding gallbladder polyps, the exact reason why they develop is currently unexplained, but some individuals do form them. Generally, polyps smaller than 1 centimeter are considered benign. Regular abdominal ultrasounds (approximately every six months to a year) are reco...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Risks, Size Guidelines, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Abnormal Normal Cells in Liver Health: Key Questions Answered
What are "normal cells that look different"? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have hepatitis C with fatty liver, and my liver enzyme levels are between 150 and 200. My AFP is about 4. An ultrasound showed a one-centimeter shadow that is round with clear borders. After an MRI, the docto...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Everything mentioned in your letter is possible, but without your medical history for reference and without seeing your imaging reports, it is difficult to assess and diagnose based on the information provided in your letter. Additionally, the ultrasound report does not co...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Normal Cells in Liver Health: Key Questions Answered
Treatment Options for Normal Index Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
The treatment for patients with normal liver function and chronic hepatitis C typically involves antiviral therapy. The standard treatment is direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, which have shown high efficacy and safety. The specific regimen may vary based Dear Dr. Chen, I wou...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Regarding your condition, the current medication treatment is not very effective. Additionally, the effectiveness of this treatment is about 50-60%, which is not 100% effective. Moreover, the cost is also not inexpensive, so the timing of the treatment needs to be carefull...[Read More] Treatment Options for Normal Index Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
Understanding Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis C: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please provide the text you would Hello, Dr. Su. My aunt has undergone an ultrasound which confirmed that she has fatty liver disease, and there are also cysts on her liver; however, the doctor said they are benign. A live...
Dr. Su Baojia Reply:
The effects of interferon are significant, and it is important to discuss this with your attending physician. There is nothing specific that is particularly helpful for hepatitis C. However, injecting interferon does offer a chance for a cure for hepatitis C.[Read More] Understanding Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis C: Side Effects and Dietary Tips
Is Elevated AFP a Sign of Liver Cancer or Other Issues?
AFP ( Hello: My father has hepatitis C. Four months ago, he took herbal medicine, and recently blood tests showed a GPT of 88 and an AFP of 9.72. Previously, although his GPT levels were consistently abnormal, his AFP levels were within the normal range. Additionally, an ultrasou...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! May I ask what the reference value for AFP is at your father's testing facility? Is a level of 9.75 considered abnormal? Besides being a reference marker for liver cancer, AFP can also be elevated after liver inflammation. If that's the case, it indicates good li...[Read More] Is Elevated AFP a Sign of Liver Cancer or Other Issues?
How to Prevent Hepatitis B and C Transmission in Your Family
What should I do if a family member has both hepatitis B and hepatitis C? Hello Dr. Chen: There are two people in my household with Hepatitis B and one with Hepatitis C. I was tested for Hepatitis B five years ago and have antibodies, but I haven't been tested for Hepatitis ...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! 1. You already have antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen, which means you will not be infected with hepatitis B again. However, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, so caution is still necessary. Hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood, so activities t...[Read More] How to Prevent Hepatitis B and C Transmission in Your Family
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Three Shots and Key Questions Answered
Why is the hepatitis B vaccine administered in three doses, and why is the first dose given as an intramuscular injection rather than intravenously? As indicated by the topic, I would like to further inquire about the functions of the three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, and w...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Any vaccine may elicit some antibodies after the first dose, but the response is often insufficient. It is necessary to administer one to two additional doses to enhance the immune cell response. For the hepatitis B vaccine, it is recommended to administer the ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Three Shots and Key Questions Answered
Understanding Liver Tumors: Key Questions and Diagnostic Insights
Please provide information regarding "liver tumors." Hepatitis C with fatty liver. AFT: 4.3, GOP: 74, GPT: 156. A month ago, ultrasound examinations at two hospitals revealed a low-echo tumor approximately one centimeter in size. A CT scan was arranged (only performed a...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, you have hepatitis C but do not have cirrhosis, which generally means a lower risk of liver cancer. An abdominal ultrasound shows fatty liver, but there is a 1 cm shadow that cannot be confirmed as a true lesion or merely a non-fatty area. 1. The localized non-fatty area...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Key Questions and Diagnostic Insights
Should You Test for Hepatitis B Antibodies After Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Hepatitis antibodies Six months ago, my liver enzymes elevated to over 90, and after treatment prescribed by Dr. Yun, they decreased to the 40s. I had an ultrasound examination at the internal medicine department, and the doctor said everything was fine. Blood tests also showed n...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, there are several types of antigens and antibodies for hepatitis B. The presence of the surface antigen indicates an active infection and carrier status, while the presence of the surface antibody indicates a past infection that has resolved, providing lifelong immunity. T...[Read More] Should You Test for Hepatitis B Antibodies After Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Seeking Expert Advice on Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Treatment
Please consult Dr. Hsu? Hello Dr. Hsu, I am a carrier of Hepatitis B and have moderate fatty liver. I started taking "Gan An Neng" a year and a half ago. During the treatment, my GOT and GPT levels mostly remained below 100, and my e-antigen has always been positive. T...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei! 1. If interferon cannot suppress the virus and inflammation persists, then interferon would not be a viable option. If inflammation continues, you might consider interferon therapy. However, is it possible that your inflammation is influenced by other factors? Do ...[Read More] Seeking Expert Advice on Chronic Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis C: Herbal Remedies and Liver Health Concerns
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and moderate fatty liver. An ultrasound examination showed that his liver is slightly coarse. He has been checking his liver function every three months, with both GOT and GPT levels around 50. However,...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! This is possible, and in clinical practice, there are often cases where many people are unaware of the effects of herbal medicine and take them on their own. Since each individual metabolizes drugs differently, it is possible that this medication may not be suitable for yo...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Herbal Remedies and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Your Health Check Results: What Do They Mean?
Questions about the test report? The health check conducted in each township includes a stool test. The results for colorectal cancer screening are unclear. The Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, while the Hepatitis C test is positive. Could you please help me understand wh...
Dr. Chen Zhiping Reply:
Hello, I don't understand your question. What tests were performed? Blood tests? Colon cancer marker tests? If the CEA level for colon cancer is 3, that is considered normal. Which test report is showing negative/positive results? Please review the report carefully, and if y...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: What Do They Mean?