Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps
Liver fibrosis Hello, doctor: Recently, my mother was diagnosed with liver fibrosis at the hospital. However, we are still waiting for the blood test results to evaluate further. A few days later, when my mother returned for a follow-up, the doctor told her that since it is only ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, to address liver fibrosis, it is essential to identify the underlying cause in order to provide appropriate treatment. Currently, there are no medications that can immediately improve fibrosis. Common causes include chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune liver diseas...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Concerns, Treatment, and Next Steps
How Often Should You Get Hepatitis Screening: Annual vs. Biennial?
Hepatitis screening Is hepatitis screening required annually, or is it sufficient to check every two years? The company's medical consultant mentioned that screening every two years is adequate, but my understanding is that it should be done annually. Which one is correct? T...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Mei Mei: Only carriers of Hepatitis B or C need to be checked every six months. There is no standard interval for testing in individuals without Hepatitis B or C. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] How Often Should You Get Hepatitis Screening: Annual vs. Biennial?
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound in 2003 that revealed a 1 cm hepatic hemangioma, which increased to 1.5 cm last year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Besides abdominal ultrasound, should I also have blood tests for Hepatitis B, H...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas typically present differently on abdominal ultrasound compared to liver cancer. If there are concerns, testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, is reasonable. Once it is confirmed that there is no hepatitis B or C, it is not nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Managing Cirrhosis: Treatment Options for Low Platelet Count Before Surgery
Cirrhosis Hello Dr. Chen: My aunt (age 62) has hepatitis C and cirrhosis. She has experienced symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, esophageal varices, and hematemesis. Currently, she is receiving blood transfusions and platelet transfusions. She was originally schedu...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Chu, Splenic artery embolization can lead to necrosis and atrophy of the spleen, but it may have side effects such as fever and pain. Prophylactic antibiotics and patient-controlled analgesia (out-of-pocket expense) can be used, but the appropriateness of these m...[Read More] Managing Cirrhosis: Treatment Options for Low Platelet Count Before Surgery
Understanding Hepatitis C: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Transmission Risks
Hepatitis C Your girlfriend recently tested positive for Hepatitis C. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. **Next Steps for Testing and Treatment**: Your girlfriend should consult a hepatologist or a specialist in infectious diseases for further evaluation. The next steps ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Wei, I recommend checking the detailed information on the "Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Academic Foundation" at National Taiwan University. Generally, active treatment is recommended when liver function is consistently above 80 (according to health...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Transmission Risks
Understanding Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Regarding the liver and stomach? Hello, Gastroenterologist: A few days ago, I started feeling discomfort in my stomach, but I did not seek medical attention. One night, I suddenly experienced severe stomach pain that was unbearable, so I immediately went to the emergency room. I ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your symptoms and test results, it appears to be acute hepatitis. The causes of acute hepatitis can be categorized into viral hepatitis (including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and other viruses such as EBV, CMV, HSV, etc.) and non-viral hepatitis, which includes ...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Seek Further Testing
Where to Get Tested for Hepatitis C in Yunlin, Taiwan?
Hepatitis C Because of blood donation, I found out that I have hepatitis C. I would like to know which hospitals in Yunlin offer hepatitis C testing. Also, does staying up late frequently contribute to hepatitis C?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Hepatitis C is a bloodborne infectious disease. Please visit the gastroenterology (hepatobiliary) department at a medium-sized hospital. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Where to Get Tested for Hepatitis C in Yunlin, Taiwan?
Can Women with Hepatitis C Safely Have Babies? Infection Risks and Prevention
Regarding Hepatitis C? Dear Director Chen, Hello! I would like to ask: If a woman has hepatitis C, will her baby be infected? What is the probability of transmission? Are there any methods to prevent this? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. FISH: Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, so if the mother has a high viral load, the risk of transmission is high, with an average of about 5% of the virus being transmitted to the infant. The best preventive method is to treat women with the virus (before pregna...[Read More] Can Women with Hepatitis C Safely Have Babies? Infection Risks and Prevention
Can Ascites from Cirrhosis Spread Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Cirrhosis Hello, Dr. Lin. I would like to ask if ascites caused by liver cirrhosis is contagious. On December 19, my mother-in-law went to the hospital to have fluid drained from her lungs due to cirrhosis. After returning home, the puncture site did not heal properly, causing fl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, although the virus can be detected in the pleural effusion, the amount is small. There is a possibility of infection, so it is important to monitor for any skin breaks. Infection is more likely with blood contact, so it is advisable to avoid direct contact as much as possi...[Read More] Can Ascites from Cirrhosis Spread Hepatitis C? Understanding the Risks
Is Interferon Treatment Necessary for Chronic Hepatitis C?
Is interferon therapy really necessary? I called the hospital to inquire about my hepatitis C viral load report. The hospital confirmed that I have hepatitis C, with a viral load of only 42,000. The doctor recommended that I start interferon treatment. My GPT levels have consiste...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, the current treatment for hepatitis C is quite effective, achieving a success rate of about 50% to 70%. If the infection duration is short, the treatment effectiveness can even reach up to 80%, which is considered good. However, as you mentioned in your letter, the medicat...[Read More] Is Interferon Treatment Necessary for Chronic Hepatitis C?
Should You Get Interferon Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Should interferon be administered? My liver enzymes have been above 200 for about 10 months. The liver biopsy showed an inflammation score of 2. The doctor said it qualifies for insurance coverage. Do I really need to start interferon treatment? I'm feeling very uncertain. C...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello, are you infected with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C? Regardless of which type, your levels are quite high. If you meet the criteria for health insurance coverage, it is advisable to pursue treatment. You mentioned that you are concerned, but I'm not sure what specific is...[Read More] Should You Get Interferon Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Hepatitis B medications Hello, Dr. Hsu. I have stomach cancer and my weight is on the lower side. My GPT is over 500. What kind of treatment should I undergo? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, your GPT is over 500, which is considered high. I’m not sure if you have recently undergone an e-antigen test. Do you have the report for the E antibody? Have you also had a test for the hepatitis B virus load, specifically HBV DNA? Additionally, have you been tested for h...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Hepatitis B in Patients with Stomach Cancer
Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Diarrhea accompanied by weight loss? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to consult you regarding my mother's health issues. Here is a brief overview of her condition: My mother is 58 years old and has a history of breast cancer, for which she underwent bilateral mastectomy and has...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Yali: 1. There is a low correlation with the liver, but regular ultrasound examinations (every 6 months) are still recommended. 2. It is advised to visit a gastroenterology clinic for stool tests and medication, and then consider a colonoscopy. 3. Irritable bowel ...[Read More] Weight Loss and Diarrhea: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Cancer Survivors
Post-Hepatitis C Treatment: Addressing Common Symptoms and Concerns
Questions after Hepatitis C treatment? Hello, Dr. Hsu. My mother completed her six-month interferon treatment around August. Currently, her liver function tests are normal, but she is experiencing some symptoms: 1. Her lips frequently show signs of bleeding and cracking. 2. She h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, regarding the issues you mentioned, here are my responses: 1. If your lips are prone to cracking and bleeding, first consider whether they are too dry. It may be helpful to use lip balm for hydration, and also ensure adequate fluid intake. Additionally, please have a den...[Read More] Post-Hepatitis C Treatment: Addressing Common Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Hepatitis B testing Hello Dr. Chen: Last October, I had a test regarding hepatitis B, and the results showed that the hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and the hepatitis B surface antibody was 86.6. Since a classmate just received the hepatitis B vaccine, their antibody le...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, for individuals who have received the hepatitis B vaccine, a portion of patients may experience a decline in antibodies to undetectable levels (resulting in a negative test). In such cases, a booster shot is recommended, which is an out-of-pocket expense. If antibodies are...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Current Treatments and Costs for Hepatitis C: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis C Hello, doctor: I would like to ask what medications are currently used to treat hepatitis C and what are the treatment costs? (Is it out-of-pocket?)
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Sunny: You can contact the "Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Foundation" (National Taiwan University website) to understand the health insurance standards for the combination treatment of "interferon" and "ribavirin." If paying out of poc...[Read More] Current Treatments and Costs for Hepatitis C: What You Need to Know
Managing Hepatitis C: Treatment Decisions and Lifestyle Adjustments
Regarding Hepatitis C? Hello Doctor: 1. My mother started interferon treatment for hepatitis C in February of this year, and she has completed six months of the treatment. We initially planned to continue with the second half of the treatment, but due to financial reasons, we h...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, A-Jie! 1. The current standard treatment for hepatitis C covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance is six months. However, for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C, the medical community previously believed that a one-year treatment (i.e., 48 weeks) was necessar...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis C: Treatment Decisions and Lifestyle Adjustments
Understanding CMV Virus Impact on Liver Health: Insights and Prevention
CMV virus attacks the liver? Dear Dr. Hsu, Hello! I would like to ask you about the impact of the CMV virus on the liver. In 2006, my daughter, during her final year at the University of Otago Dental School in New Zealand, suddenly developed a fever. She took Panadol to reduce t...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Mr. Huang! CMV stands for cytomegalovirus, which is a typical herpesvirus. It is widely prevalent in the population and usually presents as a latent infection. The virus can remain dormant in the body for life and typically does not pose a problem in individuals with good ...[Read More] Understanding CMV Virus Impact on Liver Health: Insights and Prevention
Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases
Can hepatitis occur in the late stages of pregnancy? Hello Dr. Lin: My beloved one was 32 weeks pregnant and developed acute hepatitis, and unfortunately, she became an angel mother just 5 days after an emergency cesarean section. I need assistance (medical consultation) on the...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In the late stage of pregnancy, acute hepatitis can present with a more complex condition. I have limited experience and cannot provide specific examples. 2. Generally, in the pathophysiology of acute hepatitis, the levels of AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) rise first, follo...[Read More] Can Late Pregnancy Trigger Acute Hepatitis? Insights and Cases
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers
Gallbladder polyps Dr. Lin: I apologize for bothering you again. I had an abdominal ultrasound last week, which showed a 0.37 cm gallbladder polyp, and I am a carrier of hepatitis B. In your response on July 14, you mentioned that the ultrasound indicated "cholesterol or ade...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Generally, cholesterol polyps are brighter, more regular, and multiple. Your polyp is small, regular, but not very bright. Currently, only one is observed, and it does not appear malignant at this time, but it needs to be monitored. It is generally recommended to remo...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns for B Hepatitis Carriers