Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) condition? Hello, Doctor Gao. When I was diagnosed with RA, in addition to multiple joints being inflamed and painful, my test results showed anti-CCP (>3+, strongly positive), RF (-), and ESR (+). After the diagnosis, the hospital infor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In principle, for rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests are typically done every three months, unless there is a change in medication and there are concerns about potential side effects, in which case blood tests may be scheduled every two weeks to...[Read More] Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Understanding CRP and Procalcitonin: Key Indicators for Infection Monitoring
What is the CRP indicator? What is procalcitonin? What is the CRP indicator? During the SARS outbreak in 2003, procalcitonin was frequently mentioned. It seems to be used for monitoring infections now as well. I hope to understand more about this information. Thank you, from some...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: CRP (C-reactive protein) and Procalcitonin are both protein substances secreted during inflammation in the body. Procalcitonin, in particular, tends to increase during bacterial infections, while CRP can also elevate in response to viral or other infections. Spontaneous in...[Read More] Understanding CRP and Procalcitonin: Key Indicators for Infection Monitoring
Understanding Dizziness, Weakness, and Abnormal CRP Levels: What You Need to Know
Dizziness & Health Check Issues^^” Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my frequent experiences of dizziness, general weakness, cold sweats, and cravings for sweets. Could this be anemia? Recently, I had a health check-up, and the report indicated that my C-reactive protei...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If dizziness occurs alone, it may be due to anemia or inner ear imbalance. However, if there is also generalized weakness, cold sweats, and cravings for sweets, one should consider the possibility of hypoglycemia, especially if the patient is on diabetes medication, as there may ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Weakness, and Abnormal CRP Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Health: Key Lab Values for Patients with Kidney Transplants
Please assist the director and colleagues. Thank you! (Forwarded from the director's mailbox) Hello Director and colleagues, I would like to inquire about my mother's condition as she is a kidney transplant patient and needs to frequently visit the Chang Gung Urology ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your mother is undergoing kidney transplantation due to uremia and requires regular outpatient follow-up and treatment. Regarding the biochemical tests mentioned in your correspondence, here is an explanation: 1. GLU: Glucose 2. BUN: Blood Ure...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Key Lab Values for Patients with Kidney Transplants
Understanding Persistent Knee Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options
Leg fatigue? Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions. I am 48 years old, and three years ago, I started feeling soreness in my knees (the kind of feeling as if I had been standing all day). When it is severe, I feel sore in the morning upon waking up; when it is mi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Knee pain without swelling, heat, or tenderness indicates that arthritis has not yet developed. Vepesid is a nutritional metabolic agent for joint cartilage and is very popular in the United States, primarily used for patients with degenerative joint conditions. You may co...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Knee Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options