Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed hepatomegaly, and I immediately tested for Hepatitis B and C. The results for Hepatitis B were negative for surface antigen, positive for surface antibody, and positive for core antibody. For Hepatitis C, the s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The ultrasound report is based on subjective judgment, so there is no need to worry about the term "coarse." If possible, a follow-up in a year would be sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Liver fibrosis Dr. Tsai, I’m troubled again. You mentioned that I should check the severity of fibrosis to see if I need to pay out of pocket for a Fibroscan, but my doctor said it’s not necessary. Should I still get tested for Hepatitis B virus DNA? Currently, my Hepatitis B sur...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) Fibroscan can quantify fibrosis data, but its clinical application is relatively uncommon. Generally, ultrasound compares the texture of the liver with that of the spleen, allowing physicians to make subjective judgments, which is more commonly used in clinical practice...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that revealed liver fibrosis. The doctor asked me to test for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, which was negative at 0.00, and Hepatitis C antibody, which was negative at 0.07. Does this mean I do not have Hepatitis B or...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B core antibody is used to determine whether there has been a past infection with hepatitis B that did not progress to chronic carrier status. Hepatitis B surface antibody is used to assess current immunity against the hepatitis B virus. (2) Liver fibrosis ne...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Testing for Hepatitis and Treatment Options
Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Indirectly Through Hands?
Indirect transmission of Hepatitis C? Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask if the hepatitis C virus can be transmitted indirectly through "hands." I engaged in mutual masturbation with someone, but the process only involved hands as the medium. I am certain that he did n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If there are no wounds on the hands, the chance of transmission through "hands" is almost nonexistent. 2. After completing treatment for Hepatitis C, if the virus is confirmed to be undetectable after 6 months, it is considered cured and will not "re...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Indirectly Through Hands?
Post-Surgery Appetite Loss in Hepatitis C Patients: Dietary Tips
Hepatitis C has undergone surgery; dietary considerations? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you about my grandfather. He was diagnosed with hepatitis C after a blood test, and the doctor recommended surgery. Now that the surgery has been completed, he has been experiencing a c...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: I would like to know if I can take supplements, drink chicken essence, and have questions about dietary types. It is advisable to consult the surgeon for appropriate recommendations, as the reasons for undergoing surgery and any contraindications can vary depending on the ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Appetite Loss in Hepatitis C Patients: Dietary Tips
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed liver fibrosis and an enlarged spleen, but I do not have hepatitis B or C and I do not drink alcohol. What treatment should I pursue? Additionally, do I need to go to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The causes of liver fibrosis are not limited to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcohol; there are many other different causes. Fibroscan is a more advanced ultrasound scan that can quantify the degree of fibrosis, but it cannot diagnose the underlying cause. Typically, fibr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Testing in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission Risks and Testing Window
Questions about the transmission routes of Hepatitis C infection? I would like to ask the doctor about the recent outbreak of Hepatitis C in the southern region. If I have sores in my mouth and visit a dental clinic for an examination, without undergoing teeth cleaning or extract...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Currently, there is no widespread outbreak of Hepatitis C. Dental clinics generally adhere to high standards of disinfection, and the risk of infection is extremely low. Using disposable instruments (at your own expense) is certainly safer. Hepatitis C is primarily tr...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission Risks and Testing Window
Understanding Hepatitis B and C Testing After Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Hepatitis B and C testing? Hello Doctor: A year ago, our school arranged for us to undergo a health check, and my HBsAg was negative and HBsAb was negative. However, I recently went to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, and the doctor said I have mild fatty liver and rou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Hepatitis B has likely been ruled out, and Hepatitis C can be tested again. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C Testing After Fatty Liver Diagnosis
Can Polio Patients Safely Receive Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis C?
Can patients with poliomyelitis receive interferon? Can my friend, who is a congenital polio patient and also a carrier of hepatitis C, receive interferon treatment? His blood tests show a positive viral load and abnormal liver function. Will this treatment have any impact on his...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Sir: Theoretically, your friend can undergo treatment for Hepatitis C. However, it is important to communicate in advance about the common side effects that may occur during treatment (such as anemia, nausea, weakness, etc.), and to ensure that family members provide ample ...[Read More] Can Polio Patients Safely Receive Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis C?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Is It Hepatitis?
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, my SGOT is 105 and SGPT is 102. My liver enzymes seem to be significantly elevated. I had a health check-up over a month ago, and I just received the results last week. Could this indicate hepatitis?
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Elevated levels of GOT/GPT indicate liver inflammation; however, the underlying cause may require further investigation, including tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, or excessive use of herbal medicine, among others. Please co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Is It Hepatitis?
Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Implications for Liver Health and Pregnancy
Elevated SGPT (Serum Glutamate Today, I told my obstetrician about my liver enzyme results, and the doctor said that an SGPT level of 108 is indeed high and may indicate an underlying liver issue, possibly hepatitis C or hepatitis B. If it is one of these two, will it affect the ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, it is important to first confirm whether the mother has hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If not, the likelihood of fatty liver disease is highest. Only hepatitis B can affect the baby, but there is also a risk of transmission through contamination with the mother's blood d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated SGPT Levels: Implications for Liver Health and Pregnancy
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Liver enzyme levels are elevated? Previously, during my enrollment check, my BMI was normal with no obesity issues. My liver enzyme levels were GOT at 31 and GPT at 63, which are above the normal range. The recommendation was to have regular check-ups and to reduce late-night act...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle, control weight to prevent increase, rule out drug-induced hepatitis, and recheck liver function in 2-3 months. Additionally, please rule out hepatitis C and undergo an ultrasound examination. Changhua Hospital car...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Acute Hepatitis B or Chronic Hepatitis B? Dear Dr. Chen, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I hope you can provide me with some advice. Last month, I went to the hospital for an examination due to stomach discomfort. The doctor ordered blood tests (first test on 5/13) whic...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, based on the clinical course and blood test follow-up, the likelihood of acute hepatitis B is the highest, and it seems that the patient has completely recovered from this acute hepatitis B episode, with the disappearance of surface antigens and the production of surface a...[Read More] Acute vs Chronic Hepatitis B: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients: Causes and Concerns
The GPT index is high? Hello, I would like to ask about my husband, who is a carrier of hepatitis C. He has been under continuous monitoring, but this time his GPT level is 56, GOT level is 34, T.BIL is 1.2, and AFP is <2.00. Six months ago, his GOT was 22, GPT was 38, T.BIL w...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Patients with hepatitis C may experience an elevation in GPT levels; however, other causes should also be ruled out. If you are a hepatitis C patient, it is advisable to seek treatment from a physician to prevent potential complications over time. Currently, there is insufficient...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Liver tumor treatment Dear Director Chen, My father is 85 years old and has been drinking alcohol since his youth, but he has never reached the level of alcoholism. His daily routine has been normal. In early July, he was hospitalized due to abdominal pain, and a CT scan reveale...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. If cholangiocarcinoma has metastasized or invaded the gallbladder, the prognosis is poor. 2. Electrocautery is used for treating solitary small tumors; however, this patient is not suitable for electrocautery due to tumor invasion of the gallbladder and hepatic ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options for Elderly Patients
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment Options and Liver Health Supplements
Questions about Hepatitis C? I currently have hepatitis C and I regularly monitor my condition every six months, with normal results. I would like to know if I can receive treatment to cure it, and if so, can I use heparin? How many treatments are covered by the National Health I...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The treatment for hepatitis C currently primarily involves long-acting interferon and ribavirin to eliminate the hepatitis C virus. Patients must have the hepatitis C virus present and not have severe cirrhosis to be eligible for treatment. 2. Currently, the National...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment Options and Liver Health Supplements
Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: Rash, Fatigue, and Swelling Explained
Symptoms of hepatitis Infection with hepatitis B or C can present with various symptoms. Common symptoms include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. While rashes are not typical symptoms of hepatitis B or C infections, some in...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 70% of acute hepatitis cases present without any obvious symptoms, while the remaining patients exhibit non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, and mild drowsiness. Some may report symptoms similar to those of a cold, and it is usually onl...[Read More] Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C: Rash, Fatigue, and Swelling Explained
Concerns About Hepatitis C Transmission from Shared Hair Tools
Please provide information regarding hepatitis C? Hello, Doctor. 1. Recently, I went to a hair salon for a haircut, and the staff used a comb to massage my scalp quite vigorously, which was a bit painful since I have some pimples on my scalp. Later, I realized that the previous...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Can Hepatitis C be transmitted through barbering activities? What is the transmission rate? There is still no definitive answer. Generally, it is not something to be overly concerned about. If necessary, you can have a blood test done in 1 to 2 months (testing too ear...[Read More] Concerns About Hepatitis C Transmission from Shared Hair Tools
Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B and C infection issues? I would like to ask, today I went for a haircut, and because I had a pimple on the back of my neck, the barber accidentally broke it open with the electric clippers while trimming my hair, causing it to bleed. If the clippers had come into cont...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In theory, it is possible, but the likelihood is low. After the use of instruments, whether the blood contamination remains infectious after a period of time is a concern. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospit...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infection from Haircut Blood Exposure
Understanding HCV Follow-Up: Key Guidelines for Patients After Exposure
HCV follow-up duration After being needlesticked by a patient who is Anti-HCV Ab positive, the follow-up at the occupational injury clinic initially stated that monitoring would continue for one year and six months, but then it was mentioned that this would be the last visit. So,...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The average incubation period for Hepatitis C is 7 to 8 weeks, with a range from 2 weeks to 26 weeks, varying from person to person. It is recommended to observe for at least six months for better assessment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Gast...[Read More] Understanding HCV Follow-Up: Key Guidelines for Patients After Exposure