Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Rheumatology and Immunology Examination Results I have been experiencing pain in my shoulders, neck, arms, and fingers for three months, and rehabilitation has not improved my condition. I consulted a rheumatologist, who ordered blood tests, and the results are as follows: ESR:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The abnormal findings in your test report indicate a PATTERN of Homogeneous 1/640 (Positive) and a PATTERN of Speckled 1/640 (Positive), which are results for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA). Antinuclear antibodies are one of the screening indicato...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know
Autoimmune diseases Hello Doctor, last year I had a health check-up due to my studies, and since I was on my menstrual period that day, I experienced hematuria. After returning to the hospital for a follow-up, it was confirmed that there were no issues, and the cause of the hemat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The following test results may be related to autoimmune diseases, and if necessary, further blood tests can be arranged: C3: 57.7, C4: 10.7, ANA: Dense fine speckled with a titer of 1:160. I'm not sure if your physician has already arranged...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know
Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained low-grade fever Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent elevated body temperature above 37.3°C since the end of May, but it does not exceed 37.8°C (most often occurring in the evening). Although my temperature is not very high, when it rises to this range,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of low-grade fever, including underlying infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and endocrine issues. It is recommended that you visit an infectious disease clinic and bring your recent test reports to arrange for further relevant examinations (ther...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Is it suitable for individuals with vasculitis to receive the AZ vaccine? Individuals with a history of vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disease, may have concerns regarding vaccination. Among those advised against receiving the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine are individuals with com...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology has reached a consensus and provided recommendations for patients with autoimmune diseases. Of course, these recommendations will continue to be adjusted over time as more evidence accumulates. In pr...[Read More] Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Recurrent fever for three weeks? My sister, who is 25 years old, developed a fever at the end of April and sought medical attention. Initially, she had a sore throat, and the ENT doctor diagnosed her with a cold. After taking medication for three days, her fever did not subside, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It sounds most like an autoimmune issue. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist, but many details still need to be assessed in person by your sister. You might also consider seeing an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation regarding the unexplained fever. If it is ...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Understanding Uncommon Hand Conditions: Symptoms and Solutions
Hand problems My older sister has a red patch with dots on her finger that hurts when touched, and it has been present for some time. She recently visited a doctor at Pingtung Hospital, who mentioned it was the first time seeing such a case. The doctor conducted various allergy t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Generally speaking, painful nodules are less likely to be related to allergies and are more likely associated with rheumatic or autoimmune diseases. If the patient's attending physician is a rheumatologist, it is advisable to return for a f...[Read More] Understanding Uncommon Hand Conditions: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
ANTI SMD Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a single anti-Smith antibody (anti-Sm) level that was elevated at approximately 13, which later decreased to 8 after a year of medication. What does this signify clinically? Other lupus-related antibodies, such as anti-nuclear anti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. What does it mean clinically if a single anti-SmD level was elevated at approximately 13 and later decreased to 8 after one year of medication? Anti-SmD is a specific antibody for Systemic Lupus ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR and TPHA Explained
Syphilis testing consultation Hello Dr. Hong, I have undergone RPR (STS) syphilis testing at 39, 111, and 270 days after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, and all results were negative (Negative, Non-reactive). I would like to ask Dr. Hong: (1) Does three negative RPR t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the VDRL test can fluctuate with the onset or resolution of disease, so a negative result indicates that you have never been infected or that you have been infected but have since recovered. However, one drawback of the VDRL test is that certain autoimmune diseases can als...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR and TPHA Explained
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Suspected vasculitis Hello Doctor: My mother is 73 years old and has hepatitis C, an autoimmune disease (Sjögren's syndrome), and dry eyes. She often experiences headaches and upper back pain (which she has had for many years). She has been seeing a rheumatologist and is on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the clinical manifestations of hepatitis C or autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome) can include vasculitis. However, most symptoms present as petechiae, which are typically painless or slightly painful, and itching is rare, let alone severe itching. It is a...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Bruises and Pain: When to See a Doctor
Please ask your question, doctor? Hello doctor, after taking a shower and drying off, I noticed some pain in my lower back. Upon inspection, I found some yellow-green discoloration that was a bit painful to touch, and there were also some purple spots that looked like small dots....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the photos, it is most likely a simple bruise, which may have occurred due to an accidental bump or strain. Typically, the body will heal itself over time, so there is no need for concern. As for the purpura you mentioned, it is a type of autoimmune ...[Read More] Understanding Bruises and Pain: When to See a Doctor
Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Allergy + Drowsiness Recently, I have been experiencing multiple physical abnormalities, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and itchy dry skin (I have a history of urticaria, but this sensation feels different. Only specific areas of my hands and feet are dry and itchy, and there are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response to your question: 1. You have noticeable symptoms of dryness, which may be related to issues with your immune system, particularly Sjögren's syndrome or related autoimmune diseases. 2. It is recommended that you first c...[Read More] Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Managing Autoimmune Disease: Do I Need to Continue Medication?
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Director Gao. About a year ago, I visited the immunology department due to dry mouth and tongue ulcers. My ANA titer was 80+, and I started taking quinine (2 tablets a day). After three months, the titer decreased to 40+. Due to severe dizziness, I swit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, the use of medications for Sjögren's syndrome is less common with the use of salivary stimulants, and monitoring disease activity is less frequently done with ANA titers. It is recommended that you consult a rheumatologi...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disease: Do I Need to Continue Medication?
Managing Thyroid Issues and Autoimmune Diseases: A Patient's Guide
Thyroid issues, intrauterine drug delivery system, autoimmune diseases? Last year, in 2017, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis. I had a Mirena IUD inserted in 2013, and it has been in place for a total of six years. My doctor mentioned that I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there is no literature linking intrauterine devices (IUDs) to dryness syndrome. Additionally, the trace hormones contained in IUDs do not appear to have any associated information regarding dryness syndrome in the literature. It is re...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues and Autoimmune Diseases: A Patient's Guide