Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
I am puzzled that my blood test results show liver enzyme levels that are 5 to 6 times higher than the normal reference range? On November 16, my mother went for a blood test. The report came back with several abnormal liver function results: SGOT (AST) was 226, and SGPT (ALT) wa...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, please cooperate with the physician to determine if you have hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or drug-induced hepatitis. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Do High AST and ALT Levels Mean?
Managing Liver Tumor Treatment: Patient Guidance and Medication Options
Liver issues? My father has undergone multiple treatments for liver tumors, including several embolizations and radiofrequency ablations. During a follow-up appointment, his alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was still 21.9. When I asked the attending physician, they were unsure of th...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, after multiple treatments for liver cancer, the AFP level remains high. It is recommended to compare the current AFP value with previous values. Common causes of elevated AFP include chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Elevated AFP can still occur in case...[Read More] Managing Liver Tumor Treatment: Patient Guidance and Medication Options
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B testing status I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular follow-ups. Today, I had blood tests done with the following results: - 2017/10/03 AST/GOT (aspartate aminotransferase) 25 U/L (normal range: 8-38) - 2017/10/03 ALT/GPT (alanine aminotransferase) 24 U/L (...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have antibodies against Hepatitis B, indicating that the infection has completely resolved. If you have liver cirrhosis, close monitoring is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Unexplained Anemia: Seeking Answers for Low Hemoglobin Levels
Unable to determine the cause of low hemoglobin levels? Hello Doctor, my younger brother has been experiencing pale yellowish skin and a lack of color in his face since last year. He has also been getting easily short of breath and fatigued while walking, which he has never exper...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious black stool or bleeding, it may be related to hematopoietic or hemolytic issues. Please discuss this with your healthcare team. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Unexplained Anemia: Seeking Answers for Low Hemoglobin Levels
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Elevated Ammonia Levels in Liver Cirrhosis
Diet for Elevated Ammonia Levels Hello, doctor. My father is 56 years old and currently has grade C liver cirrhosis. His last blood test showed an ammonia level of 277, which is slightly elevated. He is alert, but I'm unsure about his diet. I'm worried that if he consum...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: For patients with a tendency towards hepatic encephalopathy, it is advisable to provide 40 to 50 grams of protein daily (0.5 to 0.7 grams per kilogram of body weight). Once symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy arise, the protein intake should be immediately reduced to 25 to ...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Elevated Ammonia Levels in Liver Cirrhosis
Understanding Ascites and Liver Damage from Alcohol Abuse
Cirrhosis and ascites issues? My father has a long-standing habit of drinking alcohol, and recently he has developed ascites (commonly referred to as a "beer belly"). I understand that the presence of ascites typically indicates significant liver damage. However, since ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. Patients with liver cirrhosis often experience ascites and may also have peripheral edema. However, it is essential to seek medical attention for confirmation before using diuretics and restricting salt intake. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shih-Dia...[Read More] Understanding Ascites and Liver Damage from Alcohol Abuse
Understanding Liver Health: Risks of Cirrhosis and Cancer
Liver issues? Hello Dr. Tsai! I am the patient who consulted you a few days ago regarding my condition. After reviewing my report, do you think I am at risk for liver cirrhosis? Also, would you consider me to be in a high-risk group for liver cancer? Thank you, and I would like t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, the report does not indicate the presence of cirrhosis; whether it will develop in the future will require ongoing monitoring. 2. To determine if you are in a high-risk group for liver cancer, you should consult your clinical physician, who can assess your pr...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Risks of Cirrhosis and Cancer
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello Doctor: During my health check-up, I found that my GPT level was 79, while the normal range is 4-40. At that time, I had just graduated and was waiting to start my job, and I was not under significant stress. I had consumed alcohol about once or twic...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) If there are no discomforts and the follow-up appointment is soon, you can wait to monitor everything during the next visit. 2) Not all medications affect liver function; it depends on which medication is taken. 3) If the values exceed the normal range, attention should...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis?
Is liver fibrosis the same as cirrhosis? Dear Doctor, I am HBsAg negative, HBsAb positive, and HBcAb positive, with no prior treatment and antibodies produced naturally. The key point is that the ultrasound examination shows liver fibrosis and a hemangioma. My spleen measures 6....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1) You can return for a follow-up consultation with the physician to inquire why blood tests were not performed. 2) A white blood cell count of 3730 is still within the normal range. 3) For hair loss issues, you may consult a dermatologist, as it is not related to the live...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Is It the Same as Cirrhosis?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Dizziness: Key Insights
Liver enzymes & dizziness? Hello doctor, today I was sent to the emergency room due to feeling unwell, and I had a blood test. The nurse mentioned that my liver enzyme levels are elevated; the normal range is around 40, and mine is 59. She said it’s not excessively high and d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Abnormal liver function requires further investigation to determine the cause; please consult a hepatologist. As for the dizziness, there are many potential causes. Please see a neurologist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes and Dizziness: Key Insights
Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue
Liver problems? Dear Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again. My liver is rough, and my spleen is slightly enlarged. The surface antigen is negative, the surface antibody is positive, and the core antibody is positive. I have not been vaccinated, and I have developed antib...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) With aging or fatty liver disease, fibrosis may occur. (2) Liver nodules can be benign or malignant. (3) If you are experiencing fatigue, you should evaluate the quality of your sleep and whether your work is too strenuous; it is not solely related to liver issues. (4)...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue
Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Is it cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed my liver is enlarged. Subsequent blood tests indicated that my Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, but my surface antibody and core antibody are positive. I have never been vaccinated, so it s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A negative hepatitis B surface antigen means that there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, and there is no need for any medication. There is a significant difference between liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, so there is no need to be overly concerned about cirrhosis. As f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Elevated liver enzymes? My health report shows that all other items are normal, but my liver enzyme levels indicate GOT at 60 and GPT at 17 (normal). I do not have a history of substance abuse or alcoholism. 1. Is a GOT level of 60 considered very high? 2. I stayed up late for ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, GPT primarily refers to a marker released into the bloodstream after the destruction of liver cells. However, GOT can be found not only in liver cells but also in other tissues such as the heart, skeletal muscle, blood cells, kidney cells, and certain tumor cells. Therefor...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Long-Term Use of Silymarin for Liver Health: Benefits and Risks
Liver protection supplements issues? (1) I previously had abnormal liver function (GPT 70), and my doctor prescribed Kojar (Silymarin) capsules. After three months, my liver function returned to normal, and the medication was discontinued. Over the past few years, my liver enzyme...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: 1. If there is a clinical need for Silymarin, it can be taken long-term without any reported significant side effects, but its effectiveness is not guaranteed. According to health insurance regulations, treatment must be discontinued if there is no improvement. 2. ...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Silymarin for Liver Health: Benefits and Risks
Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips
After liver cancer tumor resection, which foods should be avoided? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer today. The tumor was successfully removed and there is no metastasis. I would like to ask Dr. Chen what other foods she should avoid besides ginseng, and w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, after liver cancer surgery, dietary considerations primarily depend on whether there is liver cirrhosis and the degree of cirrhosis. If there is no cirrhosis, in addition to a fresh diet, it is advisable to limit smoking, alcohol, and pickled foods, while increasing the in...[Read More] Post-Liver Cancer Surgery: Foods to Avoid and Dietary Tips
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Men
The abdomen is gradually enlarging? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing an enlarged abdomen despite being male. I often have stomach acid issues and insomnia. I smoke and drink alcohol, but I haven't gained weight anywhere else, just in my belly. I frequently ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) An increase in abdominal size likely indicates an increase in waist circumference. It is important to check if there is also a corresponding weight gain, and consider weight loss, exercise, and a light diet (metabolic syndrome). (2) Smoking, drinking alcohol, and weigh...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Solutions for Men
Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Abdominal ultrasound? Hello doctor, I have a problem with easy fatigue, usually feeling tired 3 to 4 hours after getting up. Each time I check my GPT and GOT levels, they are normal. I have received the hepatitis B vaccine. I would like to have an abdominal ultrasound to check fo...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, abnormal liver function is related to your fatigue. If liver function is normal, your fatigue may be due to other factors, such as anemia, among others. If necessary, other reports should be reviewed. A small number of inactive liver cirrhosis cases may...[Read More] Can You Get an Ultrasound for Fatigue Without Liver Inflammation?
Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Options in Taoyuan
Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by a gastroenterologist. The surface of my liver is very rough, and I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years without any improvement. I recently moved to Taoyuan and would like to know w...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: For the follow-up of liver cirrhosis, it is generally recommended to undergo abdominal ultrasound and blood tests every 3 to 6 months. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Options in Taoyuan
Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Next Steps in Treatment
Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis? Dear doctors, could you please assist me? I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis by the gastroenterology department at another hospital. The surface of my liver is very rough, and I have undergone ultrasound examinations for over ten years with...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are no specific medications that can slow down or reverse the progression of cirrhosis. The goal is to prevent it from worsening too quickly. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Diagnostic Tools and Next Steps in Treatment
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Pancreatic cancer index Hello, Doctor! I am 34 years old this year. I discovered an elevated CA19-9 level (64) in 2009. At that time, I underwent various tests, including MRI and endoscopy, which revealed a 9 cm benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while the pancr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in patients without cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health