Do Gallstones and Cholecystitis Always Require Gallbladder Removal?
Is gallbladder removal necessary for gallstones accompanied by cholecystitis? Two weeks ago, I experienced pain on the right side of my abdomen and went to the emergency room. Blood tests showed abnormalities: CRP: 162, Total Bilirubin: 1.5, Segmented Neutrophils: 80, Lymphocytes...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Cholecystectomy is still recommended; please discuss any related issues with your attending physician.[Read More] Do Gallstones and Cholecystitis Always Require Gallbladder Removal?
Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: When to Seek Urgent Care
Liver function index exceeds one thousand? Hello, Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have mild fatty liver and gallstones. My long-term follow-up indices have been normal until the past two years, when they started fluctuating. The most recent test on January 5 showed AST ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You may schedule an earlier follow-up appointment to discuss.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Liver Function Tests: When to Seek Urgent Care
Understanding Rising Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns for Liver Health
Bilirubin, total bilirubin is increasingly elevated? Hello, I have mild to moderate fatty liver, so I have been undergoing regular monitoring. In my last three tests, I found that my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels have been increasing. In May 2019, my total bilirubin...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Bilirubin levels are still normal, liver function is slightly elevated, and an ultrasound examination can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Rising Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns for Liver Health
Is Liver Dialysis Necessary with Elevated Bilirubin but Normal Liver Enzymes?
GOT and GPT levels are normal, but total bilirubin is 18. Is liver cleansing necessary? My father is experiencing multiple organ failure due to an infection, and the doctors have indicated that his liver and kidney issues are the most significant. He is currently undergoing dialy...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Liver washing or plasma exchange has certain short-term benefits, but there is still controversy regarding its long-term survival rates (hence it may require out-of-pocket expenses). It is advisable to discuss the benefits thoroughly with the attending physician.[Read More] Is Liver Dialysis Necessary with Elevated Bilirubin but Normal Liver Enzymes?
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test where my total bilirubin was 1.6 mg/dL (normal range: 0.1-1.2), which is elevated. My direct bilirubin was 0.3 (<0.4), and my cholesterol was slightly high at 210, while the other values including sGOT, sGPT...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Commonly, due to individual genetics, a slight increase in bilirubin can occur during the metabolism of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which is not harmful to health.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated GPT/indirect bilirubin slightly elevated? Over the past 10 years of regular health check-ups, my GPT/GOT/total bilirubin levels have all been within normal ranges, with GPT/GOT between 10-20. In August 2018, total bilirubin was first noted at 1.8 (with GPT/GOT around 20 ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The condition is somewhat different from others, but still poses no danger. It is recommended to continue monitoring at the same healthcare facility. Maintain a normal diet and avoid exposure to toxic volatile substances. Referral to a medical center should only be made if necess...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT and Indirect Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Elevated total bilirubin? Hello doctor, the company's health check report shows a total bilirubin level of 2.8 mg/dL and a direct bilirubin level of 0.2 mg/dL, which is elevated. The abdominal ultrasound is normal, with mild fatty liver and a 0.4 cm stone in the right kidney...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
If there are no hematological disorders, it may be a congenital bile metabolism disorder.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin: Causes and Implications
Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Abnormal total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels in health check-ups? Hello, doctor. In my recent health check report, it was found that my total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were abnormal, with total bilirubin at 4.17 mg/dL and direct bilirubin at 1.59 mg/dL. Other ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, some individuals have congenital abnormalities in bilirubin metabolism, which may increase under certain conditions. It is recommended to monitor through follow-up blood tests under normal daily activities. If the levels continue to rise, further examinations may be necess...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels in Health Checkups
Understanding Congenital Bile Duct Cysts: When Is Surgery Necessary?
Congenital choledochal cyst Hello, doctor. Recently, my health check-up report showed elevated total bilirubin levels, and after undergoing an abdominal ultrasound and CT scan at the hospital, I was diagnosed with a choledochal cyst. However, the doctor mentioned that I only need...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is quite rare to perform surgery for this condition, but it still depends on the individual case. You may discuss this further with your attending physician and continue to monitor the situation, or consult a specialist in biliary diseases at a medical center. Changhua ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Bile Duct Cysts: When Is Surgery Necessary?
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?
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Total bilirubin, direct bilirubin Doctor, I recently had blood test results showing elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The normal value for total bilirubin is 1.2 mg/dL, and mine is 1.77 mg/dL. The normal value for direct bilirubin is 0.5 mg/dL, and mine is 0.6...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you described, it seems to be a benign congenital condition related to bilirubin metabolism. Generally, it is not dangerous and does not require treatment. At most, you may need to have blood tests annually for comparison, so there is no need to worry! Changh...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B, and an ultrasound showed a 0.6 cm hemangioma in my liver. There is no cirrhosis or enlargement of the liver according to my health check report. My GOT and GPT levels are normal, and my AFP is also normal. The only abn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the jaundice is due to a metabolic issue related to your constitution, which should not be a concern. Please continue to monitor it. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Jaundice Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
A carrier of hepatitis B would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL)? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 40 years old and a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL). I have been regularl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely that your elevated bilirubin levels are due to your individual bilirubin metabolism, which poses no harm to your health. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin and Protein Levels: Next Steps
Health check: Total bilirubin and total protein levels are elevated? Dear Dr. Chen, Hello! During this year's health check-up, there were two abnormalities: total bilirubin at 1.4 mg/dL and total protein at 8.1 g/dL. I would like to know if this is very serious and what fur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You only need to follow up in 3 months for comparison. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin and Protein Levels: Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
The health check showed elevated levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin? Total bilirubin: 1.51 mg/dL (reference range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL) Direct bilirubin: 0.49 mg/dL (reference range: 0–0.4 mg/dL) In the past three years, only these two values have exceeded the standard...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It may be a congenital constitution, and it is possible that family members are similar. It does not affect your health, so there is no need for concern. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total and Direct Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
The first occurrence of total bilirubin (1.8 mg/dL) and direct bilirubin (0.8 mg/dL) is elevated? I have been taking medication for lowering blood sugar for a long time. My fasting blood sugar is 121 mg/dL, and my HbA1c is 6.5%. My average blood pressure is 130/78 mmHg. Aside fro...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are elevated, indicating liver function abnormalities. It is necessary to check for hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Causes of hepatitis include viral infections, alcohol consumption, medications, and fatty liver dis...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Implications
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and discomfort in the back? Hello, Director Chen. I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. While the chances of related opportunities may not be significant, if you have been troubled for a long time, you might consider laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent future occurrences of gallstones. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidia...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Chest and Shoulder Pain?
Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Can gallstones and fatty liver cause pain in the epigastric region or upper abdomen, right shoulder pain, and back discomfort? Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule. I am 36 years old, have never smoked or consumed alcohol, and my blood tests ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
In general, fatty liver is less likely to present with pain symptoms. As for gallstones, treatment should be pursued whenever there are symptoms, regardless of their size or quantity. In terms of location, the pain may be due to the gallstones, but based on your description of th...[Read More] Can Gallstones and Fatty Liver Cause Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort?
Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Health: When to Seek Further Testing
Gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my stomach for the past two weeks. It feels bloated and sometimes a bit painful. I recently had a cold, and my doctor mentioned that it might be related to that. However, I have noticed...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing persistent discomfort in the upper abdomen, you may consider undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. There doesn't seem to be any urgency regarding other issues, so you can continue to monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal and Liver Health: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Bilirubin issues? Hello Doctor, last year I discovered that my total bilirubin was elevated while my direct bilirubin was normal. My indirect bilirubin was 2.2 mg/dL. I went to a clinic for follow-up, and I had several blood tests to check for hemolysis. The doctor suggested it m...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Typically, blood tests can only measure total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. Indirect bilirubin is calculated by subtracting the two values. (2) The total bilirubin is 1.75 mg/dL, and the direct bilirubin is 0.54 mg/dL, which indicates direct jaundice. This may be due...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should You Be Concerned?