Understanding Liver Index Fluctuations: Causes and Concerns
Liver enzymes have risen again to around 78? Three months ago, my liver enzymes rose to over 200. At that time, I tested for hepatitis C antibodies, and the result was negative. I then went for weekly liver enzyme tests, which gradually decreased to the normal range. Three months...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for elevated liver enzymes, and hepatitis C is just one of them. Further examination by a gastroenterologist or hepatologist is necessary. As for alcohol hand sanitizers and low blood pressure, they would not be reasons for this condition. Wishing yo...[Read More] Understanding Liver Index Fluctuations: Causes and Concerns
Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen negative? Hello Doctor: In 2006, I tested negative for HBeAg and positive for HBeAb, and I originally thought I was a low viral load hepatitis B patient. However, my recent tests showed GPT=77, GOT=31, AFP=4.5, and HBV DNA=250,000 IU/mL. The...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello, you are a very diligent patient. I will first address your questions in order, and then provide the current health insurance regulations and personal recommendations regarding your situation. First, the e antigen in wild-type chronic hepatitis B virus is indeed an indica...[Read More] Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding the Sudden Increase of Liver Hemangiomas: A Patient's Concern
Hepatic hemangioma proliferation issues? Hello, doctor. I discovered a hemangioma about 3 cm in size during my health checkup two years ago. This year, my checkup revealed four liver tumors (three new ones), including the one that has grown to 3.5 cm. I asked the screening physic...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. RL: Based on your description, if you suddenly have three additional vascular tumors larger than 1.5 cm within a year, we recommend that you arrange for a contrast-enhanced CT scan at a nearby large hospital to further confirm whether they are indeed vascular tumors....[Read More] Understanding the Sudden Increase of Liver Hemangiomas: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
"Diffuse" liver fibrosis Dear Dr. Li, Hello! My mother is 82 years old and had breast cancer surgery five years ago (without chemotherapy). She has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. She has been tested negative for hepatitis B, but has not been tested for hep...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Reply: Hello, regarding hepatitis, in Taiwan, chronic hepatitis B and C are still the most prevalent, particularly in the Chiayi and Tainan regions. When liver enzymes (AST/ALT) are elevated, it is essential to test for HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) and anti-HCV Ab (Hepatit...[Read More] Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Liver tumor issues? Dear Dr. Lin, 1. My father is 70 years old and has recently experienced some health issues. He has over ten tumors in his liver, but the biopsy report indicates that the largest one is necrotic, so the report appears to be fine. However, the doctor mentioned ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. There are instances where tumors may be associated with necrosis, and elevated CA 19-9 levels can indicate various conditions, including malignant ones such as pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and gastrointestinal cancers. Benign conditions may include cholecystit...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumors: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Anti-HCV Positive but HCV RNA Negative: What Does It Mean?
Anti-HCV positive but HCV RNA negative? Hello, doctor. Last November, I tested positive for anti-HCV (4.XX) during a health check-up, but shortly after, the HCV RNA test came back negative. Since then, I have repeatedly tested positive for anti-HCV (all results are 4.XX). In July...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. QQ: RIBA is an outdated test and is no longer used. We now directly test for RNA. You have previously been infected with Hepatitis C and belong to the fortunate 30% who cleared the virus on your own, leaving only a low concentration positive Anti-HCV marker. This means ...[Read More] Understanding Anti-HCV Positive but HCV RNA Negative: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Hepatic hemangioma and fatty liver disease? During a health check-up, an ultrasound examination revealed a hepatic hemangioma. After consulting another clinic, the results showed four hemangiomas (approximately 1 cm each) and fatty liver (weight 50 kg). The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If it is fatty liver and hemangioma, then indeed, follow up as indicated in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36394">#36394</a>. There are many causes of fatty liver, with common ones including obesity, high blood lipids (triglycerides), poorly cont...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Navigating Treatment Options for Liver Fibrosis in Kidney Transplant Patients
Treatment issues of liver fibrosis? Dear Dr. Chen, I am a kidney transplant recipient and a hepatitis C patient, currently 57 years old. Eight years ago, I underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery in mainland China, and since then, my post-operative condition has been go...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mr. Andy: 1. Hepatitis C should be ruled out or treated before kidney transplantation. 2. In Taiwan, modern blood transfusions are filtered for Hepatitis C from donors. 3. It is indeed challenging to manage, and a biopsy is necessary for evaluation. The Department of Hepatobiliar...[Read More] Navigating Treatment Options for Liver Fibrosis in Kidney Transplant Patients
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Dull and distended sensation next to the lower right rib cage? Hello Doctor: In May of this year, I began to feel a sense of heaviness and bloating near the bottom of my rib cage, sometimes just below the lowest rib (which I believe is the rib junction). Therefore, in mid-May, I ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, liver inflammation can lead to abnormal liver function, which may cause a feeling of discomfort or bloating in the upper abdomen; however, in fact, 70% of hepatitis cases are asymptomatic. Additionally, elevated liver enzymes are one thing, but the most important factor is...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Liver, Gallbladder, or Nerves?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Test Results and Dietary Considerations
Hepatitis B issues 1. Since the age of 18, the individual has been identified as a carrier of hepatitis B. Recent tests show blood report values of GOT/GPT at 25/28, alpha-fetoprotein at 0.98, e-antigen antibody as Reactive, HBeAg S/CO value at 0.317, and HBeAg interpretation as ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. You are likely a healthy carrier of Hepatitis B, with normal liver function and low viral load (e-antigen negative), but you still need to be monitored. 2. Generally, there is no need to test for Hepatitis C viral load. 3. You can maintain a normal diet and sho...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Test Results and Dietary Considerations
Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement with B Vitamins?
Can vitamin B complex be supplemented in cases of hepatitis C? Hello, doctor! I have a question. My mother underwent six months of interferon treatment and it has been over three years now. I would like to know if she can supplement with B vitamins available on the market, as she...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Gao: B vitamins are harmless (excess amounts will be excreted in urine), just be cautious not to purchase substandard products (made in China??). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement with B Vitamins?
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Liver examination status? On April 25, I had a kiss and intimate relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and I am concerned about the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C. On April 19, during a company health check, my liver enzyme levels were s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, having antibodies for hepatitis B means you will not be re-infected. You have not been infected with hepatitis C. Abnormal liver function requires an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation of the cause, but it has been confirmed that it is not related to hepatitis B o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Concerns About Cross-Contamination During Dental X-Ray Procedures
excuse me? Hello Doctor, I apologize for seeking your advice. If an X-ray bite block comes into contact with residual blood or saliva from a previous patient on the X-ray machine, is there a risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV? After having a dental implant and stitches, I was b...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, if the blood has dried for a while, it should not be infectious. In the future, if you encounter this situation, you can ask the staff to wipe it away with alcohol wipes. Best wishes, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Concerns About Cross-Contamination During Dental X-Ray Procedures
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I have a hemangioma in my liver measuring 2.4 cm (it was 1 cm when discovered). On February 27 of this year, I tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alpha-fetoprotein. On April 12, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor did not inform me ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please visit the hepatobiliary department for further examination. Any single test may have discrepancies, especially when the concentration values are in the borderline range. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Managing Hepatitis B in a 36-Year-Old Patient: Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage
36-year-old patient with hepatitis B? Hello, recently I had tests showing GOT 46, GPT 163, e-antigen negative, e-antibody positive, AFP 4, and HBV DNA 257,000 copies/ml (44,147 IU/ml). What treatment do you recommend? Is long-acting interferon covered by health insurance, and doe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: 1. You must have a GPT > 80 for more than three months and exclude causes such as hepatitis C before applying for health insurance coverage for interferon or antiviral medications. 2. The immune clearance period can last for several years, so there is no need to wo...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B in a 36-Year-Old Patient: Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage
Understanding Positive Hepatitis C Antibody Tests: Next Steps for Donors
Hepatitis C virus antibodies Hello Director Chen: I have a habit of donating blood regularly. However, during one of my donations, the blood center reported a positive result for hepatitis C virus antibodies. I sought help from an internist at a hospital, and after hearing my des...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: If liver function is normal, then there is not much concern. A low positive concentration of hepatitis C antibodies may be considered negative in another test due to differences in machine sensitivity. As long as the hepatitis C virus (HCV RNA, a high-tech out-of-poc...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis C Antibody Tests: Next Steps for Donors
Is the Flu Vaccine Safe for Hepatitis C Carriers?
Influenza vaccine Can a person with chronic hepatitis C receive the flu vaccine, and is it dangerous? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: You can get vaccinated. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Is the Flu Vaccine Safe for Hepatitis C Carriers?
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: My mother has experienced severe pain in the lower right abdomen twice in the past month, requiring pain relief injections to alleviate the pain. Although the severe pain has subsided, she now experiences a dull ache near the right side of her ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, the differential diagnoses for right lower abdominal pain include gastrointestinal, urinary tract, or gynecological infections. It is recommended to consult with a general internist, gastroenterologist, urologist, or obstetrician-gynecologist. Wishing you good health. Resp...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis C: Transmission Risks and Prevention Measures
Hepatitis C Hello: A colleague in the company has hepatitis C, and everyone is concerned about being infected. Information online states that hepatitis C is transmitted through blood. I would like to ask: 1. If a person with hepatitis C is bleeding and I am also bleeding, and the...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be transmitted through blood or wounds. 2. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. 3. Do not share personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, or razors, and avoid contact with wounds. Best regards, Dr. You Li-Kuang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Transmission Risks and Prevention Measures
Understanding Hepatitis C: Vaccination, Transmission Risks, and Interaction Tips
Hepatitis C Hello: A colleague has hepatitis C, and everyone is concerned about being infected. May I ask: 1. Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C? 2. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood. If I have a bleeding wound and the hepatitis C patient also has a bleeding wound, if thei...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Chung, 1. Currently, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. 2. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood, especially through open wounds. 3. Other daily activities do not transmit Hepatitis C, so please rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about your health...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Vaccination, Transmission Risks, and Interaction Tips