Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal liver function tests? Hello, Doctor. Last week, I had a liver function test, and the results showed elevated liver enzymes: AST: 162, ALT: 220, ALP: 79. I would like to ask if these values are very concerning, especially since I just completed my postpartum confinement p...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, your liver enzyme levels are elevated, indicating inflammation, and you need to be closely monitored and get plenty of rest. There are many reasons for changes in liver function related to Hepatitis B, such as fatigue, other viral infections, alcohol consumption, medicatio...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Function Tests: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Hepatitis B carriers are actively infected with the virus? A 31-year-old male, originally a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzymes were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further testing at a larger hospital revealed a very ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → there was no unit provided for the test result. If the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to a...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Next Steps
Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
The original hepatitis B carrier currently has a very active viral infection? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, underwent a health check and found that his liver enzymes were elevated, reaching nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital confirmed that he is...
Dr. Li Xuanshu Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the testing unit attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is needed before treatment → is it recommended to undergo interferon therapy? If so, your physician may want to app...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
The hepatitis B virus infection is currently very active among carriers? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzyme levels were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital re...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the unit of measurement attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to apply f...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Issues related to Hepatitis B? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About four years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B, and the doctor told me that I am a healthy carrier, and I only need to return for check-ups every six months. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. I only know that my surfa...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
1. The definition of a healthy carrier is someone who is infected with hepatitis B but has normal liver function tests and ultrasound results. 2. Your SGPT level is 53, which is slightly elevated, indicating mild inflammation; therefore, close monitoring is necessary, but current...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Key Questions for Patients and Management
Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me Hello, I have a question... My uncle, who is 44 years old, has been a long-term alcohol consumer. About 1-2 months ago, he experienced abdominal pain and vomited bright red blood. He was diagnosed by a physician with mild c...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao Mi: Due to the need for a personal ultrasound examination, it is not possible to determine the source of the bubbles (or cysts?). If you continue to have a high fever, you should return to the emergency department for further evaluation, and if necessary, a CT sc...[Read More] Understanding Liver Damage: Causes of Bubbles and Persistent Fever in Alcoholics
Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar in Liver Cancer Patients
Blood sugar concerns? Hello Dr. Chen, my father has been diagnosed with liver cancer for over a year, and it has metastasized to the lungs. He previously underwent chemotherapy for the lungs, but it was ineffective. This month, due to continuously rising liver enzyme levels, he h...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mr. JJ: Cirrhosis and liver dysfunction can lead to postprandial hyperglycemia. It seems that SGLT2 inhibitors do not cause hyperglycemia and are not associated with renal issues related to high blood sugar, but blood sugar levels can fluctuate easily during severe illness...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar in Liver Cancer Patients
How to Support a Family Member with Chronic Hepatitis B Concerns
How can we help her? Dear Doctor: My family member (temporarily referred to as Ms. A, please forgive me for wanting to maintain some privacy) is a carrier of hepatitis B. She previously had elevated liver enzyme levels, which were finally controlled after treatment with Hepa-Merz...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, and insomnia require identifying the underlying cause, whether it is psychological or physiological. After treatment for hepatitis B, it is important to continue monitoring; liver function should be closely observed for potential recurrence o...[Read More] How to Support a Family Member with Chronic Hepatitis B Concerns
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Liver function tests in infants? Dear Doctor, My daughter has just turned one year old. Recently, we visited the pediatric endocrinology clinic due to concerns about her low weight. After a blood test, the doctor indicated that her liver enzyme levels were elevated at 42. During...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello, Mrs. Chen! A value slightly higher than the normal range may have pathological significance, and it may be necessary to consult a pediatric hepatologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Chronic Hepatitis: Recipes and Tips
Diet for Chronic Hepatitis Hello! I have chronic hepatitis, and my liver enzyme levels are over 600. I hope the doctor can provide some recipes, as I am hesitant to eat outside and don't know what to cook.
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! Basically, chronic hepatitis does not require a special diet. According to nutritionists, the main focus should be on a balanced diet, emphasizing fresh and light foods.[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Managing Chronic Hepatitis: Recipes and Tips
Managing Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What Should You Do Next?
How should abnormal liver function tests be managed? Hello Dr. Chen: My husband had a liver function test through a blood test six months ago, which showed SGOT/AST: 25 (the report indicates normal values are 12-33), SGPT/ALT: 38 (the report indicates normal values are 5-35), and...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: If you do not have hepatitis B or C, it is likely that fatty liver is the culprit (or drug-induced liver injury). Since your liver enzyme levels are close to normal, there is no need for medication; you just need to consult a gastroenterologist to identify the cau...[Read More] Managing Abnormal Liver Function Tests: What Should You Do Next?
Can I Combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with Liver Support Supplements?
Can I combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with Gan An Neng after taking it? Hello Doctor: I have always maintained a regular lifestyle and never stayed up late, but recently I have been feeling fatigued and experiencing nausea and vomiting. Initially, I thought it was a gastroin...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Generally, there is no issue, but a small portion of people may be allergic to traditional Chinese herbs, which can lead to drug-induced hepatitis. Therefore, it is still recommended that you take liver-protective medications like Hepatoprotective agents until your liver f...[Read More] Can I Combine Traditional Chinese Medicine with Liver Support Supplements?
Feeling Sleepy in Hot Weather: Is It Related to Fatty Liver?
I have been feeling sleepy in the past few days, but it's not due to fatigue? Hello Doctor, Recently the weather has been very hot, and I've been feeling sleepy during the day. I have fatty liver disease, which was confirmed by an ultrasound last May, and I do not hav...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: Fatty liver can cause abnormal liver enzyme levels. Simply paying attention to diet, losing weight, and abstaining from alcohol can improve fatty liver and lower liver enzyme levels. Feeling sleepy should not be attributed to liver dysfunction; sometimes stress, anxiety, a...[Read More] Feeling Sleepy in Hot Weather: Is It Related to Fatty Liver?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
What should I do? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have been aware of my hepatitis B carrier status for 17 years. Throughout this time, my liver function tests (GOT, GPT), alpha-fetoprotein levels, and ultrasound results have all been normal. However, my e-antigen has consistently tested positiv...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Ms. Lu! 1. Your liver enzyme levels were within an acceptable range until April of this year, but starting in June, your GPT levels have been consistently elevated, indicating an acute episode. Have you undergone detailed examinations to determine the cause of the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Managing Your Health and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Liver Function and Treatment Options
Hepatitis C Hello Doctor: My father has hepatitis C, but he has been regularly visiting the clinic every three months for blood tests and ultrasounds. From last year to this year, his liver enzyme levels have remained between 80 and 90, but they do not exceed 100. The doctor info...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! 1. The liver enzymes are in the range of 80 to 90, indicating that the liver is in a state of inflammation. However, whether immediate pharmacological treatment is necessary requires long-term observation. Some physicians suggest that early treatment can reduce the risk of...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Liver Function and Treatment Options
Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Should You Be Concerned?
I would like to ask why my liver enzymes are not decreasing? Hello, I would like to ask: A 30-year-old male, 165 cm tall, weighing 55 kg, who exercises infrequently, does not drink alcohol, and has not been on long-term medication, has liver enzyme levels elevated to around 100-3...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Da'an: Fatty liver cannot be fully explained; consideration for a biopsy at a medical center may be necessary, but prior examination reports should be available to avoid re-examination. Changhua Hospital cares about you, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Persistent High Liver Enzymes: Should You Be Concerned?
Managing Splenomegaly: Health Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
Splenomegaly Hello Dr. Lin, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. During a previous ultrasound examination, I was found to have splenomegaly. Could you please advise me on how to maintain my health? Do I need to take any medication? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Causes of splenomegaly include liver and biliary diseases, hematological disorders, viral infections, and should be monitored clinically. 2. For hepatitis B carriers, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue, maintain a normal diet, consume plenty of fresh foods, lim...[Read More] Managing Splenomegaly: Health Tips for Hepatitis B Carriers
What to Do If Your Hepatitis Treatment Develops Resistance?
What should be done if liver cancer develops drug resistance? Over a year ago, I started self-paying for Hepatitis B treatment with antiviral medication because I was experiencing severe dizziness every day. I didn't wait the full three months and have been on the medication...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, I recommend the following: 1. Confirm the presence of drug resistance. 2. If drug resistance is present, taking Hepatitis B antiviral medication (such as Entecavir) may be less effective. After discontinuing the medication, liver enzyme levels may rise again within ...[Read More] What to Do If Your Hepatitis Treatment Develops Resistance?
Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Options When Interferon Fails
Hepatitis C treatment Hello Dr. Chen, my father was diagnosed with hepatitis C previously. After a liver biopsy, his condition was deemed eligible for National Health Insurance coverage. He has been receiving weekly injections (which he believes are interferon) and taking medicat...
Dr. Chen Jianhong Reply:
Hello! Doctor, my father was previously diagnosed with hepatitis C. After a liver biopsy, his condition was deemed eligible for insurance coverage. He has to go to the hospital every week for injections (which he says are likely interferon), and he also takes medication regularly...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Treatment: Options When Interferon Fails
How to Normalize Elevated GPT Levels in Hepatitis B Carriers?
How to restore normal GPT levels? Hello! I recently underwent a blood test for Hepatitis B, and the results showed GOT: 27 / GPT: 46 / HBsAg positive. The examining physician informed me that I am a carrier of Hepatitis B, with a slightly elevated GPT level. Since I will be apply...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Christopher: 1) Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic to check HBeAg/HBeAb and undergo a liver ultrasound. 2) Follow up on liver function in 3-6 months. 3) If liver function continues to rise, hepatoprotective medications (such as Silymarin) may be used, with ...[Read More] How to Normalize Elevated GPT Levels in Hepatitis B Carriers?