Understanding Esophageal Varices and Liver Cirrhosis: Key Insights for Patients
Esophageal varices caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello Doctor, my father is 61 years old and is a carrier of Hepatitis B. He has been taking Baraclude for about 2-3 years and has a history of excessive alcohol consumption. After experiencing his first episode of esophageal variceal ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. It varies by individual, and there are also differences among physicians. 2. Medication and regular endoscopy are recommended, along with minimizing activities that increase abdominal pressure (such as lifting heavy objects). 3. Blood tests and ultrasound are necessary, an...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Varices and Liver Cirrhosis: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Immunoelectrophoresis Results: Concerns About Liver Cirrhosis
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the immunoelectrophoresis findings that suggest liver cirrhosis? A few days ago, I underwent an immunofixation electrophoresis test at my own expense due to personal reasons, and the results are as follows: total protein 7 g/dL, albumi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to consult an immunologist.[Read More] Understanding Immunoelectrophoresis Results: Concerns About Liver Cirrhosis
Preoperative Assessment for Liver Cirrhosis: Key Considerations
Preoperative Assessment for Liver Cirrhosis Is surgery recommended for thrombocytopenia in cirrhosis? What emergency measures should be taken in case of esophageal variceal rupture?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If necessary, platelet transfusion or self-paid medications to increase platelet count may be considered. Special hemostatic agents combined with endoscopic band ligation are commonly used methods; please discuss this further with the attending physician.[Read More] Preoperative Assessment for Liver Cirrhosis: Key Considerations
Do I Really Need Hepatitis B Medication? Understanding Treatment Options
Questions about hepatitis B medication? Hello, I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B during a health check at the age of 18. Five months ago, at a nearby clinic, the doctor informed me that I qualified for hepatitis B medication under the national health insurance, so I sta...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If ultrasound indicates severe liver cirrhosis/fibrosis, please discuss with your physician.[Read More] Do I Really Need Hepatitis B Medication? Understanding Treatment Options
Should Patients with Cirrhosis Undergo Regular Endoscopy for Esophageal Varices?
Esophageal varices Hello Doctor, my father has a history of liver cirrhosis and has been under hospital surveillance for many years. He underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) three years ago, which did not reveal any esophageal varices. However, during his recent follow-up...
Dr. Hu Guozheng Reply:
Patients with general liver cirrhosis are advised to undergo regular upper gastrointestinal endoscopy every 1 to 2 years. If there are any concerns, they may seek evaluation at other hospitals or clinics. Thank you.[Read More] Should Patients with Cirrhosis Undergo Regular Endoscopy for Esophageal Varices?
Managing Liver Cirrhosis: When to Consider Endoscopy for Esophageal Varices
Cirrhosis / Esophageal Varices Hello Doctor, my father has a history of liver cirrhosis and has been under hospital surveillance for many years. He underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) three years ago, which did not reveal any esophageal varices. However, during his rece...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
In principle, examinations can be conducted every two years. However, if there is a significant decrease in platelet count or if the out-of-pocket liver fibrosis measurement value is high (>20 pKa), then examinations should be performed annually.[Read More] Managing Liver Cirrhosis: When to Consider Endoscopy for Esophageal Varices
Understanding Liver Transplant: Requirements and Considerations
Liver transplantation issues Hello, I would like to understand more about liver transplantation. A family member has liver cirrhosis, and I am considering donating my liver to them. What are the requirements and steps involved?
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
First, discuss the necessity and requirements with the liver transplant team contact.[Read More] Understanding Liver Transplant: Requirements and Considerations
Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: Next Steps for Treatment
Positive for Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: Today I received my health check report and saw that my Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is positive. I reviewed my health check reports from previous years, and they all showed negative results. The report from September 9, 2011, was ne...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, regarding Hepatitis B, a previously negative HBsAg can now be positive, indicating a possible Hepatitis B infection. Blood tests can be performed in an outpatient setting to confirm and assess liver inflammation. Most adults infected with Hepatitis B (about 80%) will impro...[Read More] Understanding Positive Hepatitis B Test Results: Next Steps for Treatment
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Biliary Issues: Treatment Options
Cirrhosis and bile issues? Hello, Director: I have been undergoing blood tests for monitoring at the Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department of a hospital in Zhongli for a long time. A few years ago, my GGT level was found to be over 300, and the doctor has been prescribing...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, a 54-year-old male has a medical history indicating that he has liver cirrhosis, which is attributed to chronic hepatitis. The causes of cirrhosis can include viral hepatitis such as hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune conditions, cardiac issues, biliary...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Biliary Issues: Treatment Options
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Insights for Family Health Management
Regarding Hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: Recently, my mother (70 years old) underwent a health check-up, and the ultrasound revealed signs of liver degeneration. She has also had a clinic health examination and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which showed the presence of Helicob...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: HBsAg (+) *243.300 indicates a carrier of Hepatitis B, who requires regular monitoring every six months, including blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Hepatitis B is a high-risk factor for liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. If taking dietary supplements and traditional C...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Insights for Family Health Management
Can You Repeat an Endoscopy Within Two Weeks? Concerns and Considerations
Can a gastroscopy be repeated within two weeks? My father, who is 80 years old, underwent an endoscopy due to medication issues related to liver cirrhosis, and a suspected one-centimeter tumor was found (he had part of his stomach removed due to stomach cancer ten years ago). How...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Clinicians have their considerations; there is no specific interval required for performing gastroscopy, and there are no particular restrictions from health insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Can You Repeat an Endoscopy Within Two Weeks? Concerns and Considerations
Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Congenital biliary atresia vaccination administration? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about congenital biliary atresia. I have experienced jaundice due to fever. Would you recommend getting the AZ or Moderna vaccine?
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello Vivi: Currently, there is no data suggesting which vaccine to administer, so it is recommended to consult your physician. However, it is generally advised for patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or liver cirrhosis to receive vaccination. Director Cai Jin-ji, Department ...[Read More] Vaccination Guidance for Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability for Patients with Liver Issues
Drug side effects Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been experiencing painless and itchy red spots, rashes, or bruises on my skin every 1 to 3 months. I have been following up with a hematologist every six months, and my platelet count is between 70,000 and 80,000. I am also a carrier of h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There is no evidence suggesting that it should not be administered.[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability for Patients with Liver Issues
Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Signs of Liver Issues or Muscle?
I noticed that my upper abdomen feels a bit hard? Today, while I was feeling my abdomen, I noticed that the skin just below my rib cage feels a bit hard. It's not as hard as a rock, but I read online that the liver should feel soft like the lips. What I felt was more like th...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It shouldn't be the liver that you're feeling, so there's no need to be overly anxious for now.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Signs of Liver Issues or Muscle?
Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Is It Liver Disease or Something Else?
I noticed that my upper abdomen feels a bit hard? Today, while palpating my abdomen, I noticed that the skin just below my rib cage feels a bit hard. It's not as hard as a rock, but I read online that the liver should feel soft like lips. What I felt is more similar to the t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It's probably not touching the liver, so there's no need to be too anxious for now.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: Is It Liver Disease or Something Else?
Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status: When to Consider Treatment
Hepatitis B carrier issues? Hello, Dr. Chen. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. A few days ago, I returned for a follow-up appointment, and my test results showed a hepatitis B surface antibody level of 8540 (+). The doctor did not prescribe any medication and only advised me to cont...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If only the surface antigen is positive, with a high concentration but no liver cirrhosis and normal liver function (AST/ALT), medication is still not recommended.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carrier Status: When to Consider Treatment
Are There Effective Treatments for Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan?
Is there a specific medication for cirrhosis? Hello, Director. I am a bride from Mainland China. My sister-in-law has had hepatitis B since she was young. Due to the lack of obvious symptoms, she did not pay much attention to managing this condition. Now at 40 years old, with fou...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to use antiviral medications long-term (such as Baraclude or Hepsera) and to undergo regular ultrasound monitoring.[Read More] Are There Effective Treatments for Liver Cirrhosis in Taiwan?
Is Ascites Always a Sign of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients?
If my mother has hepatitis C, does the presence of ascites necessarily indicate cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. My mother had slightly elevated hepatitis C levels three months ago. However, she underwent blood tests, ultrasound, and fetal protein tests at the hospital, all of which wer...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cooperate with the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. Simple initial-stage cirrhosis with ascites is not difficult to manage; please follow the physician's medication regimen and limit salt intake.[Read More] Is Ascites Always a Sign of Cirrhosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients?
Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement Magnesium?
Can patients with hepatitis C supplement magnesium? My mother is a hepatitis C patient with early-stage cirrhosis and splenomegaly, but she frequently experiences muscle cramps without any apparent reason, occurring both morning and night. Today, I came across an article stating ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, sudden muscle cramps and leg cramps need to be investigated for their causes. If the sudden onset is due to mineral deficiencies such as calcium, potassium, or magnesium, supplementing magnesium may be effective. The treatment for muscle cramps and leg cramps differs if th...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Patients Safely Supplement Magnesium?
Navigating Nutrition for Liver Cirrhosis and Diabetes Management
Cirrhosis and Diabetes Mellitus Hello, doctor. My mother has cirrhosis and diabetes. Cirrhosis requires increased nutritional intake, while diabetes necessitates dietary control, creating a dilemma regarding her diet. Is it possible to supplement with commercially available B vit...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, you can consult a professional nutritionist for advice on dietary issues. Vitamin B complex does not violate medical principles and can be used, but its benefits are limited. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Navigating Nutrition for Liver Cirrhosis and Diabetes Management