Understanding Fetal Protein Levels in Hepatobiliary Health Management
Fetal protein Hello Doctor: I have been taking Baraclude for six months, but my fetal protein level has increased from 6.X to 8.89! Does this mean my condition is not well controlled? I will be returning to Taoyuan in July; can I schedule an appointment with you for consultation ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The use of oral antiviral medications can improve liver function, liver enzyme levels, and reduce viral load. Reports indicate that taking Baraclude for 3 to 5 years can improve fibrosis. If the medication is taken for only six months, any improvement can be assessed ...[Read More] Understanding Fetal Protein Levels in Hepatobiliary Health Management
High Liver Enzymes: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Elevated liver enzymes? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention with liver enzyme levels of G.O.T 430 and G.P.T 754. If I wait until the fifth day of the Lunar New Year to see an outpatient clinic, will there be concerns about dela...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Elevated liver enzymes (GOP: 430, GPT: 754) indicate liver inflammation, and it is important to seek medical attention promptly. The causes of hepatitis include viral hepatitis infections, general viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, systemic diseases, and a...[Read More] High Liver Enzymes: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
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
Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is it necessary to immediately pay out of pocket for Belviq? Dear Dr. Lin, I previously self-paid for Hepa-Merz and did not develop any drug resistance, but after stopping the medication for about a year, I experienced a relapse. Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are (64/101 on Augus...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, liver enzyme levels are elevated, and viral load is high, indicating liver inflammation. It is advised to avoid excessive fatigue and to investigate the causes of liver inflammation. Treatment for hepatitis B, including oral antiviral medications or long-ac...[Read More] Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Managing Liver Health for Shift Workers: Tips and Insights
Shift work issues Hello, doctor. My job requires shift work with a high frequency of rotation, working six days and then having two days off. After each break, I switch shifts in the order of night → afternoon → morning. I have been doing this for four years, and I noticed that m...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: In fact, liver function is not absolutely related to staying up late. However, for individuals who already have liver function issues, particularly those with hepatitis B or C, staying up late may more easily lead to an increase in liver function indices. On the other hand...[Read More] Managing Liver Health for Shift Workers: Tips and Insights
Understanding Your Hepatitis B DNA Test Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?
Hepatitis B DNA Test Report Hello Doctor, I have hepatitis B. I had an acute phase a year and a half ago, with liver enzyme levels reaching two thousand and a viral load of 4 million. After receiving treatment with Baraclude, my levels returned to normal about a month later (and ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: This means that the viral load is very low (IUL and copies are results in different units of measurement), but since they are within the margin of error, 40 and 13.1 are approximately the same. The medication is still very effective, so please continue to follow your ...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B DNA Test Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
There is a feeling of heaviness in the right upper abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen: I have been feeling a dull sensation in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen, which I can't quite describe as pain, but it feels swollen and uncomfortable. I am 176 cm tall and weigh 90 kg, and I d...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, if accompanied by acid reflux and belching, may indicate a duodenal issue. If it is accompanied by bloating and difficulty with bowel movements, it may suggest a problem with the colon. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoy...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort: Causes and Insights
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
Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
HBsAg - Hepatitis B surface antigen Hello, doctor. May I ask if HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) can change? I previously had acute hepatitis, but my liver enzyme levels are now approaching normal (GOT: 40, GPT: 60). However, the report shows that HBsAg is positive at 4318. Wh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A positive HBsAg indicates that you are a carrier of hepatitis B (have hepatitis B). Please also test for HBeAg and follow up with a gastroenterologist to determine whether antiviral medication is needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns
Hepatitis B and Acne Issues Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I was in the acute phase of hepatitis B, with liver enzyme levels exceeding 2000 and bilirubin levels around 9. The doctor said I am currently recovering well. During my follow-up visit two weeks ago, my liver enzyme le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Ultrasound can be used to check for any abnormalities in the liver and gallbladder, as well as the presence of ascites. It is generally recommended to follow up every six months to a year for chronic hepatitis, and every three to six months for cirrhosis. The frequenc...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hepatitis B and Acne: Key Concerns
Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations
Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if the AST and ALT liver function tests are what is commonly referred to as GOT and GPT? Last week, my blood test results were 63 and 108. The doctor mentioned that I have fatty liver (without hepatitis B or C and no history o...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: 1. AST = GOT; ALT = GPT. 2. The main treatment for fatty liver is weight loss and exercise; certain diabetes medications can also be helpful, primarily due to metabolic syndrome. Liver-protective medications and clam extract have limited benefits. 3. Ultrasound ha...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: AST, ALT, and Dietary Recommendations
Why Does Viral Load Increase After Successful Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B?
Why does the viral load increase significantly after interferon treatment, even after the HBeAg becomes negative? Dear Dr. Lin, I am a carrier of hepatitis B with positive e-antigen (transmitted from my mother). I discovered in mid-2008 that my liver began to show signs of infla...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. In patients with hepatitis B, after six months of interferon treatment, the rate of e-antigen seroconversion is approximately 30%. The rate of HBV-DNA < 5 x 10^5 copies/ml and normal ALT levels is about 24%. The benefits of interferon treatment include no developme...[Read More] Why Does Viral Load Increase After Successful Interferon Treatment for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: A Case Study
Antimicrobial resistance My son is 24 years old and is studying for his master's degree in America. He is HBe positive and HBe negative. 1. He has been on lamivudine since January 2008. 2. On December 29, 2008, his lab results showed AST 31, ALT 46, and HBV-DNA approximate...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, for patients with chronic hepatitis B who have been on Lamivudine for one year and show an increase in viral load, there is a possibility of developing Lamivudine resistance. When Lamivudine resistance occurs, the current recommendation is to use Lamivudine in combination ...[Read More] Understanding Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Treatment: A Case Study
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
High Liver Enzymes Without Symptoms: Navigating B Hepatitis Management
There is no feeling of fatigue or jaundice, but liver enzyme levels are as high as 400 to 500? Hello Dr. Chen, I was healthy during my childhood, but during a health check in college, I discovered that I am a carrier of hepatitis B. However, for several years afterward, my lifes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Ting: Please follow up on <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36392">#36392</a>; regarding the changes in liver function and E antigen. If necessary, Tenofovir (a type of hepatitis B virus suppressor) is more suitable for use in pregnant patients, ...[Read More] High Liver Enzymes Without Symptoms: Navigating B Hepatitis Management
Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
The GPT index remains consistently high? The health check revealed that liver enzyme levels have consistently been above 200. I have undergone a self-paid liver examination package, which showed no hepatitis A, B, or C; I have antibodies for hepatitis B, no alcoholic liver diseas...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in Western countries, second only to viral hepatitis, and is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hepatitis B: Is Normal Liver Function Enough?
Hepatitis B I would like to ask if having normal liver function test results means that my Hepatitis B status is also normal? Is there a correlation between normal liver function and Hepatitis B, or do I need to go to the hospital for further testing? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, normal liver function indicates that there is currently no inflammation in the liver. To check for hepatitis B, it is necessary to test for HBsAg and HBsAb in the blood. Most carriers of hepatitis B are asymptomatic. Liver enzyme levels may be normal, but carriers need lif...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Is Normal Liver Function Enough?
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello Dr. Lin: I just received the results of my military service physical examination from the city office today. It states that my liver enzyme levels are elevated, with SGOT at 58 and SGPT at 84. I checked online, and the normal range is consider...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello A-Min, Although the standard values for GOT and GPT may vary slightly from one hospital to another, they generally do not differ significantly. In our hospital, the standard values for GOT and GPT are below 40. A GPT level of 84 indicates an abnormal liver index, suggesti...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Am I considered a severe carrier of hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: First, I would like to share my family's medical history: My mother was once your patient and passed away at 55 due to severe jaundice, ascites, and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. My grandmother also died from ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. To qualify for health insurance coverage, you need to have an e-antigen report. I'm not sure if you have been tested for this, as well as for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D. Since your GPT level is above 200, if the e-antigen is positive and Hepatitis C and D infectio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
Liver dysfunction Hello Doctor, I recently had a health checkup at school and found that my liver function is somewhat problematic with GOT at 39 and GPT at 90. My family has a history of liver diseases, and I also tend to stay up late. 1. I would like to ask if there are medic...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, Student Lin. 1. When liver function is abnormal, it is important to identify the cause and provide targeted treatment rather than simply controlling the values with medication. In cases of viral hepatitis, types B and C can easily become chronic and require monitoring. C...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function: Causes, Risks, and Solutions