Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Issues with test results three months after syphilis treatment? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in mid-October last year. After a month of treatment with Doxycycline, I had a follow-up blood test three months later, and the result was RPR Negative...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the treatment guidelines, after 3-6 months, if the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test can drop to 1/4, it indicates a good treatment response. Of course, the lower the value, the better. Therefore, your negative result is possible and suggests that the treatm...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Managing Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on Eye Health
Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Hello Doctor: I have severe chronic kidney disease and have not yet started dialysis. I also have anemia; previously, I received erythropoietin injections every two weeks, but for the past two months, I have been receiving them weekly. Recently, d...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you have stage 5 chronic kidney disease complicated by anemia, which is why your physician prescribed erythropoietin (a blood-boosting injection) to help stimulate your own red blood cell production. This erythropoietin injection is intended to...[Read More] Managing Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Impact on Eye Health
Is Daily Use of Celecoxib Effective for Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is this considered an effective treatment? My son is currently 18 years old and started showing symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis two years ago, with a diagnosis made one year ago. I have the following questions: 1) For the past six months, my son has been taking two capsules ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1) My son has been taking 2 capsules of Celecoxib (200 mg) daily for the past six months, which has kept his CRP around 0.3 mg/dL and ESR around 12, and he has not experienced any pain (previously he ...[Read More] Is Daily Use of Celecoxib Effective for Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Exercise Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels? Understanding Your Test Results
Health check-up blood sugar issues? Hello, during this health check-up, a fasting blood glucose level of 112 was found. I became very anxious upon seeing this result and would like to inquire if exercising the day before (using a stair stepper at the gym for 1 hour, then having d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the pre-meal blood sugar level of 112 is only slightly elevated and may not necessarily indicate diabetes. Factors such as exercise or eating late the previous day can also cause an increase. The likelihood of diabetes is low, and we can wait for the test results. Thank yo...[Read More] Does Exercise Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels? Understanding Your Test Results
Understanding Low Lipase Levels: What Does a Result of 8 Mean?
Low lipase levels in blood? I just saw that in my previous blood test, the lipase level was marked in red, showing only 8. Could you tell me if there is a problem with this result?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, elevated lipase levels may indicate possible pancreatitis. Conversely, low lipase levels do not necessarily indicate a specific disease; for example, the use of certain medications or being underweight can also lead to low lipase levels. As long as there are no discomforti...[Read More] Understanding Low Lipase Levels: What Does a Result of 8 Mean?
Understanding Microalbuminuria: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Microalbumin Hello Doctor, During my health check on January 3rd, I found that my "urine microalbumin (UMA)" test result was 41.3 mg/L, with a normal range of 0-20 mg/L. Additionally, I have gallbladder polyps, prostatic calcifications, weakly positive urine ketones, ...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Mr. Li, Gallbladder polyps should be monitored at least once every six months, and urine protein should be tracked together. There's no need to worry; you can return to Taiwan for follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Microalbuminuria: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Body Numbness: Symptoms and Recommended Health Checks
Numbness in the lower half of the body, including the neck and abdomen? In recent months, the symptoms have become more frequent, especially when lying down, which significantly affects sleep quality. There is a tingling sensation from the abdomen down to the legs; it's not ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The tingling sensation in both feet may indicate nerve compression, so it is best to consult a neurologist. As for the abdominal pain and bloating, you may need to see a gastroenterologist to check for peptic ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection. Additionally, for abnor...[Read More] Understanding Lower Body Numbness: Symptoms and Recommended Health Checks
Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Accidentally pricked by a needle? I accidentally got pricked by a contaminated needle on the night of January 3rd, and I saw a doctor on January 5th to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. I have a few questions: 1. How long should I take the PEP medication? 2. How lon...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been potentially exposed to an infected individual through a needle stick injury, please follow your physician's instructions and complete a one-month course of medication. 2. The previous standard procedure involved blood tests on the same day, at one an...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Can Oral Sex Without Protection Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Transmission routes of HIV/AIDS? Hello doctor, may I ask if receiving oral sex without a condom can transmit HIV? Thank you!
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individua...[Read More] Can Oral Sex Without Protection Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?
Needle stick injury from a hepatitis B carrier? I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and have antibodies for Hepatitis B. My mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B. After taking my mother's blood sugar test, I was accidentally pricked by the needle used for blood collection. Is ther...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of contracting hepatitis B is low. However, it is still recommended to follow the vaccination schedule and check the hepatitis B markers and liver function at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months. If both are normal, there should be less ca...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?
Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, I went to see a dermatologist for hair loss and had a blood test, which showed an ANA value of 80, negative. The doctor told me to see a rheumatologist if I experience joint pain or related issues. I would like to ask: 1. Are there any methods to preven...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there any way to prevent ANA levels from rising? --> A positive ANA is part of an individual's constitution and generally does not change significantly. However, slight variations may occur due to differen...[Read More] Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Gout: Duration, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Please ask some questions about gout? Hello, Doctor. My mother suddenly has difficulty walking on her right leg, and her right knee is very swollen, hot, and painful, although there are no visible signs of redness. After being hospitalized, it was found that there were bacteria i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses to your inquiries: 1. Can gout symptoms last this long? I found online that gout usually comes and goes quickly, but my mother's symptoms have persisted for over a month. --> In terms of gout, this duration is ind...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Duration, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal urine protein? Hello, Dr. Wu. During my health check-up two months ago, the urine tests showed normal results for pH, occult blood (OB), and glucose (Glu), but the protein level was at 4+. I wasn't menstruating that day and hadn't engaged in vigorous exercise; ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, if the urine test shows a proteinuria level of 4+ from the dipstick test, it is recommended to follow up with a nephrologist for a more accurate assessment of urine protein to clarify the issue. Regarding your question about the timing of the menstrual cycl...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Causes and Concerns
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Small Wounds? Understanding the Risks
The possibility of sexually transmitted infections being transmitted through wounds? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I asked a question: During a high school experiment, I used a clean, newly opened lancet to prick my finger, resulting in a small wound that bled a few drops. If th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. ...[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Small Wounds? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a small wound on my fingertip caused by a sharp object, but it has stopped bleeding by today, so it can be considered an overnight wound. However, today I came into contact with a person living with HIV who has a wound on their hand,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. The transmission routes...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Undercooked Pork: Health Risks and When to Seek Medical Help
Eating undercooked pork? In October 2021, I ate undercooked pork chops at a teppanyaki restaurant. Over the past few months, I have frequently experienced itching in my buttocks, increased episodes of diarrhea, and sometimes abdominal cramps. I'm unsure if these symptoms are...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main concern is diarrhea and the possibility of a parasitic infection. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician to arrange for a stool test to check for any eggs. If none are found, the likelihood of a pa...[Read More] Undercooked Pork: Health Risks and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, and GFR Explained
Renal function tests: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? I have chronic kidney disease stage 3. About 10 days ago, I had a blood test (fasting) with the following results: creatinine 2.0, BUN 31, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 40. Today...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, stage 3 chronic kidney disease is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 30 and 59 ml/min/1.73m². The two test results you provided, 40 and 51 ml/min/1.73m², do show a difference, even though both fall within stage 3. Due to the lack of b...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, and GFR Explained
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease? Hello Doctor, I had an appointment in October and experienced symptoms of dryness. I consulted a rheumatologist, and all my blood tests came back normal, but my condition shows tendencies towards lupus erythematosus. However, I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many causes of dry symptoms, and Sjögren's syndrome is just one of them. While blood tests show "lupus-like phenomena," there is no definitive evidence of Sjögren's syndrome. Typically, we recommend follow-up visit...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Assessing Vaccine Suitability for Patients with Low Blood Pressure and Allergies
Issues in Vaccine Administration Assessment I often feel dizzy due to low blood pressure, and sometimes I experience palpitations. Occasionally, the edges of my lips turn cyanotic at night, and I frequently catch colds, which can lead to nosebleeds. Additionally, I have a history...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. For recommendations and guidelines on vaccination for immunocompromised patients, please refer to the attachment: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListPage/g9rqm1jhIt65b8sr5Vap8w2. The classification of immunocompromised individuals is as follows: 1. Primary immunodeficienc...[Read More] Assessing Vaccine Suitability for Patients with Low Blood Pressure and Allergies
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments
Questions about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If a small wound was made on your finger with a clean, newly opened needle and a few drops of blood were released, there is a potential risk of infection if that wound comes into contact with another person'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control website. 2. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection....[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments