Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
When a young child tests positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies, it is important to monitor for potential signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders. Key considerations include: 1. **Clinical Evaluation**: Conduct Dear Dr. Gao, A toddler ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask, if both the bone marrow aspiration and chromosome tests are normal, but immunoglobulin infusion does not improve platelet counts—initially it was effective but later it failed to raise the platel...[Read More] Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for asking about the following situation regarding the risk of HIV infection. Last Friday, while waiting for the bus, I noticed that the person next to me had what appeared to be two or three bloodstains, about the size of a ten-d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently there are no reported cases of HIV infection due to coins or masks. It is advised not to worry, and there is no need for prophylactic medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's syndrome Thank you, doctor! I am a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and have some questions to ask: 1. My SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Does this mean my level is high? After treatment for a period of time, will my bloo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Is this considered high? Will it decrease after treatment? --> It is elevated, but the elevation does not correlate with the severity of th...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
HIV testing issues? I have undergone an RT-PCR test, and the result was negative. It has been 32 days since I was exposed on the day of the blood draw. Can I feel reassured now?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition and test results, the chance of HIV infection is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
Should You Take Medication for High LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)? The total cholesterol is 245 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 150 mg/dL (exceeding the standard value of 130 mg/dL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is 78 mg/dL. Given that triglycerides are 9...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: According to the regulations for medication coverage under the National Health Insurance, it is necessary to consider whether the patient has cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or risk factors. The definition of cardiovascular disease includes: (1) coronary atherosclerosis ...[Read More] Should You Take Medication for High LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Leg bruising? Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but not to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that the likelihood of a bruise is highest due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous washing or massaging of the legs, etc., could a...[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Leg bruising Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (about 7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that bruising is most likely due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous scrubbing, or massaging of the legs could also cause this phe...[Read More] Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts? Dear Doctor: Three years ago, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 12,400 and a platelet count of 500,000. Recently, my test results indicated a white blood cell count of 13,900 and a platelet count of 550,000, but I do n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, an elevated white blood cell count typically indicates that the body is in an inflammatory state, which may be due to infection, injury, medication (such as steroids), or other factors causing inflammation. It is advisable to first examine the areas of the body that are un...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Viral infection Hello doctor, on the night of August 4th, I experienced fever and chills. The next day, I had a loss of appetite and nausea. After visiting an ENT specialist and taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but the fever returned quickly. Eventually, on August 18th,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most of these results are "reactive," meaning they show a response but may not have significant implications. 1. TOXO, or Toxoplasma gondii, antibody reactions are for reference and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. ...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Questions related to hepatitis B carriers? I recently learned that my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B after his health check-up. I would like to understand if, apart from vertical transmission at birth, it is possible for someone to become a carrier through infection during t...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of hepatitis B primarily involve the entry of blood or bodily fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus into the human body through the skin or mucous membranes, particularly into the bloodstream. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Assessing HIV Infection Risk After Eye Exposure to Unknown Liquid
Infection risk Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask you a question. Last night while dining out, an unknown liquid splashed near my eyes, very close to the eye area (I am not sure if it got into the mucous membranes of my eyes). I am concerned t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV in the situation you mentioned is very low, and there have been no reported cases of HIV infection as a result. It is recommended to monitor the situation, and there is no need for medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk After Eye Exposure to Unknown Liquid
Understanding Dual Positivity of Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody
Dual positivity for hepatitis B antigen and antibody? Hello, my student’s health check revealed that they are positive for both hepatitis B antigen and antibody, with an antigen level of 944.1 (+) and an antibody level of 18.12 (+). What does this mean?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, here is a reference: Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Academic Foundation https://www.liver.org.tw/journalView.php?cat=67&sid=926&page=1 Scenario 3: Both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody are positive. Regardless of whether Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B sur...[Read More] Understanding Dual Positivity of Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Regarding screening needles? I previously went for an HIV test, and the person said they used safe needles for blood collection, similar to those at the Red House testing station. However, I have a concern: is it possible that I accidentally received a needle that was used by som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the so-called safety needles refer to those that retract the needle back into the syringe after a single use, making them completely unusable afterward. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the issue of reuse. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal RF and ESR? Hello Doctor, I had a CRP test on April 21st which was 0.1 (normal range 0-1 mg/dL), and on July 19th, my comprehensive health check showed an abnormal RF of 242 (<15 IU/mL). On August 7th, I visited the immunology department, and during a brief consultati...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A high RF (Rheumatoid Factor) may be associated with other conditions, including viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and other rheumatic diseases. It is advisable to consult your physician for more detailed examin...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Elevated rheumatoid factor issue? Hello, Doctor. Last month, at the end of July, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and unexpectedly found that my rheumatoid factor was elevated (242 IU/ml, with a reference range of below 20 IU/ml). All other health check items were almo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The health check report indicates that a small number of healthy individuals may also have elevated RF factors—if I have no symptoms, should I not worry too much? --> Some symptoms can be very mild and may go unno...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know