Should Hepatitis B Patients Pursue Aggressive Treatment Early?
Should patients with hepatitis B receive active treatment? Dr. Lin, I would like to ask: Should patients with hepatitis B undergo proactive treatment before the onset of symptoms, even if it requires out-of-pocket expenses (as one physician suggested), or should they wait until l...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Currently, for the treatment of hepatitis B, if liver function is normal or slightly abnormal with GPT levels less than twice the normal value, it is recommended to actively treat patients over 40 years old with severe liver fibrosis or those with cirrhosis and high viral ...[Read More] Should Hepatitis B Patients Pursue Aggressive Treatment Early?
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Liver Health
Chronic disease syndrome Hello, Dr. Lin. Is there a connection between diabetes and the liver?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Diabetic patients are prone to fatty liver, which is related to insulin resistance. A large amount of carbohydrates is converted into fat in the body and stored in liver cells, leading to the development of fatty liver. Wishing you health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Liver Health
Chronic Liver Abscess: Unresolved Symptoms and Treatment Challenges
Liver abscess that does not heal over a long period? Hello: My father is 72 years old. In mid-April, he began experiencing abdominal pain and sought treatment at an internal medicine clinic. An ultrasound indicated bowel gas, and after medication, the abdominal pain persisted. In...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mr. Peter: Due to the complexity of the condition, I cannot provide specific recommendations. Fever of unknown origin is a challenging issue in medicine. Please cooperate with your physician to carefully monitor changes in your condition and adhere to the prescribed medication. D...[Read More] Chronic Liver Abscess: Unresolved Symptoms and Treatment Challenges
Navigating Treatment Options for Liver Fibrosis in Kidney Transplant Patients
Treatment issues of liver fibrosis? Dear Dr. Chen, I am a kidney transplant recipient and a hepatitis C patient, currently 57 years old. Eight years ago, I underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery in mainland China, and since then, my post-operative condition has been go...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Mr. Andy: 1. Hepatitis C should be ruled out or treated before kidney transplantation. 2. In Taiwan, modern blood transfusions are filtered for Hepatitis C from donors. 3. It is indeed challenging to manage, and a biopsy is necessary for evaluation. The Department of Hepatobiliar...[Read More] Navigating Treatment Options for Liver Fibrosis in Kidney Transplant Patients
Follow-Up on Liver Fibrosis Treatment: Additional Information from Andy
The information that was omitted in the previous letter? Dear Dr. Chen, I am Andy, who emailed you a few hours ago regarding the treatment for liver fibrosis. I apologize for omitting an important piece of information in my previous message. I am currently arranging for a liver...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please provide the content you[Read More] Follow-Up on Liver Fibrosis Treatment: Additional Information from Andy
Managing Chronic Inflammation: Tips for Liver, Stomach, and Throat Health
Chronic inflammation Hello doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and I have chronic inflammation in my liver, stomach, esophagus, and throat. I am deeply troubled by this chronic inflammation and my overall health is not good. I am unsure how to treat it. Please give me some advi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsiao: There should be no direct relationship between being a carrier of hepatitis B and gastrointestinal issues. If you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, you can visit a gastroenterology clinic for examination and treatment to manage it. Dr. Chen Shih-Tien from...[Read More] Managing Chronic Inflammation: Tips for Liver, Stomach, and Throat Health
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 Spontaneous Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Peritonitis caused by liver cirrhosis? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, which is caused by fatty liver disease. I have been undergoing regular check-ups at the hospital for the past six months. Due to the accumulation of fluid, the situation has improve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: In patients with cirrhosis and ascites, intestinal bacteria can penetrate the intestinal wall and gradually enter the ascitic fluid, proliferating and causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. It is advised to limit the intake of raw foods and manage ascites to reduce the...[Read More] Understanding Spontaneous Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
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?
Should I Treat High Viral Load with Medication Despite Allergies?
Hepatitis B e antigen positive with a viral load of 800 million. GTP and GOT levels are normal. Should treatment be initiated? I am 40 years old this year and I am positive for hepatitis B e-antigen with a viral load of 800 million. My serum e-antigen level is 1452, and my GTP (G...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: (1) The e antigen is positive, liver function tests are normal, and the viral load is high. It is recommended to consider the degree of liver fibrosis in the patient and whether there is cirrhosis. Continued monitoring is advised, and understanding the effects of pharmacol...[Read More] Should I Treat High Viral Load with Medication Despite Allergies?
How to Transfer Your Mother for Liver and Gallbladder Treatment at Chang Gung?
I have not been treated at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but I would like to transfer to Chang Gung for liver and biliary treatment? My mother went to the emergency room at Cathay General Hospital in Hsinchu two days ago due to abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with liver ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Lu, Hello. Transferring to another hospital is a choice made by the family. Chang Gung Hospital will not reserve a bed in advance, and there are many patients waiting for beds. However, necessary treatment and consultations with relevant departments will still be provid...[Read More] How to Transfer Your Mother for Liver and Gallbladder Treatment at Chang Gung?
Key Questions on Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
Questions regarding the treatment of Hepatitis B? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B a year and a half ago. Currently, my liver function tests and ultrasound results are normal, but I have a gallbladder polyp (0.5 cm), and my surface antigen is still positive. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. The chance of surface antigen turning negative is very low (<5%), usually occurring when the e antigen turns negative or after 3 years of maintaining the upper limit. 2. The recurrence rate remains over 30%, although it tends to decrease with longer duration....[Read More] Key Questions on Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Related Conditions
Questions about gastric ulcers? My first episode was at the emergency department of Min-Sheng Hospital (symptoms: chills, shivering, and weakness). After receiving IV fluids for one night, I went home. The second time, I went to the emergency department of Chang Gung Hospital (sy...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr. Su: Based on your symptoms, such as persistent chills and shivering, it may indicate an infection or a rheumatologic/immunological condition. Additionally, the accompanying weight loss could suggest a more serious underlying issue. It is advisable to promptly consult a ...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Related Conditions
Managing Diet and Lifestyle for Gastrointestinal and Liver Health
Please provide additional information regarding the issue mentioned earlier? I have strict dietary control and lifestyle adjustments (I also have gastroesophageal reflux issues).
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Momo: This is a basic requirement for your cooperation: small portions, multiple meals, low sugar, and low acidity. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Managing Diet and Lifestyle for Gastrointestinal and Liver Health
Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health
Elevated r-GT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) levels? Today, I had a medical examination where my results showed GOT at 50, GPT at 59, total bilirubin at 1.54, uric acid at 7.4, and total cholesterol at 213, with all other values normal. I am also not a carrier of hepatitis B or C. ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, elevated r-GT and GPT levels indicate liver inflammation, with fatty liver being a common clinical cause. Fatty liver may be associated with alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or exposure to chemicals. It is recommended to address the underlying causes...[Read More] Understanding Elevated r-GT Levels: Causes and Implications for Liver Health
Understanding Yellowing Skin: Possible Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues
Jaundice? Hello, doctor! I am 39 years old. 1. I have poor gastrointestinal digestion and absorption (my stomach makes gurgling sounds). I have seen a gastroenterologist. 2. My complexion has turned yellow. 3. I have anemia. 4. I have large pimples on my face. 5. My hands and fee...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. If there is a change in skin color to yellow, it is recommended to follow up with outpatient examinations. 2. Possible causes of yellowing skin include: 1) Severe anemia 2) Jaundice due to liver or biliary diseases 3) Dietary factors such as excessive con...[Read More] Understanding Yellowing Skin: Possible Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues
Managing Liver Cirrhosis: Safe Medications and Dietary Tips
Cirrhosis and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for asking the following questions here. I currently have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, and cirrhosis. The medications I am taking include Mavik (I have stopped taking Fenofibrate; can I still take it?), C...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Li: Most medications are metabolized in the liver, and the dosage should be adjusted based on liver function. You can discuss this with your psychiatrist or a hepatologist/gastroenterologist. The same applies to blood pressure and lipid medications. Changhua Hospital ca...[Read More] Managing Liver Cirrhosis: Safe Medications and Dietary Tips
Concerns About Liver Health: Notable Right Rib Bulge and Symptoms
The area near the lower edge of the right rib cage is noticeably more protruded than the left side? Hello Dr. Chen: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been monitoring my condition with ultrasound and blood tests every six months. Recently, I noticed a protrusion on the right ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please undergo an ultrasound examination within a reasonable timeframe to rule out the possibility of a liver tumor, so you can have peace of mind. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Concerns About Liver Health: Notable Right Rib Bulge and Symptoms
Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
CA72-4 is abnormal? Dear Doctor, during my health check-up, my CA72-4 level was 11.1 (should be less than 6.89), but other markers such as CEA, AFP, CA19-9, CA125, CA153, and NSE were normal. An abdominal ultrasound showed moderate fatty liver. What further tests should I conside...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: CA 72-4 is not officially included for medical diagnostic use, so there is no need to worry. If you have any symptoms, please seek medical examination. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA72-4 Levels: Next Steps for Evaluation
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring
Hepatitis B Monitoring and Treatment Hello Dr. Lin, I have had HBV for a long time. Last year at this time, I was in the acute phase. My liver enzymes reached over 2000, and the viral load was about 4 million. I received treatment with Baraclude 0.5 mg. My condition improved sign...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The resistance to Beclabuvir is not high; in patients who have not previously taken other oral antiviral medications, the resistance rate is only 1% to 3% over five years. 2. The timing for discontinuation of the medication should be discussed with your physician. T...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment, Resistance, and Monitoring