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
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 Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Dialysis-related arrhythmias Hello Doctor: I am a dialysis patient (for over four years now), and during the dialysis process, I often experience episodes of arrhythmia. Occasionally, sitting up helps alleviate the symptoms. I have undergone multiple 24-hour Holter monitor tests,...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, the cardiologist's preliminary assessment suggests that the palpitations are likely not of a dangerous nature. However, we understand that they have impacted your quality of life and caused distress. It may be beneficial for you to discuss with you...[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Sought medical attention due to rapid heartbeat? Due to experiencing a rapid heartbeat and occasional lower back pain, a series of tests were conducted. Initially, it was thought to be a heart issue, but later it was found that the blood CR(B) level is 1.04, uric acid is 7.8, cho...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, a serum creatinine level of 1.04 corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60, which falls within the normal range, and there is no need to worry about dialysis. As for your elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Understanding Your Child's EGFR Results: What Does 172.8 Mean?
Testing issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my child's recent test report, which shows an EGFR of 172.8. Is this a good result? The report indicates this value in red, and I am feeling a bit anxious. Could you please clarify this for me? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, eGFR is calculated based on the kidney index: creatinine levels to estimate the glomerular filtration rate. If it is below 60, caution is advised; if it falls below 10, there is a risk that dialysis may be needed. Young individuals typically have levels above 100, which is...[Read More] Understanding Your Child's EGFR Results: What Does 172.8 Mean?
Understanding Heart Discomfort During Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the heart during dialysis? Dear Dr. Wu, I have a family member, a 30-year-old female, who has been undergoing dialysis treatment for nearly two years. Recently, she experienced a sudden myocardial infarction and underwent cardiac catheterization and coronary artery...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, the hemoglobin measurement is approximately 21-25, which is low. After blood transfusion, you may discuss with your physician whether erythropoietin (EPO) or iron supplements are adequate or if there are other bleeding issues (such as gastrointestinal bleed...[Read More] Understanding Heart Discomfort During Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Dietary Recommendations for Managing Elevated Creatinine and Low Kidney Function After Liver Transplant
Diet for Liver Disease (Elevated Creatinine + Low Glomerular Filtration Rate) After liver transplantation, I have been attending regular follow-up appointments. Each time, my lab results show low red blood cell count (2.4), low hemoglobin (11), elevated creatinine (1.3), and low ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your description, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 43 is indeed low; however, we should not focus on a single data point but rather on the trend. It is important to determine whether 43 is lower than previous values or if it remains stable within a range (for ex...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Managing Elevated Creatinine and Low Kidney Function After Liver Transplant
Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Dialysis-related arrhythmias Hello Doctor, my father has been on dialysis for about two years. Before receiving the vaccine, he experienced arrhythmia, but it was managed with medication. However, after getting vaccinated, he has experienced arrhythmia again during dialysis, and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the various forms of arrhythmias, some present as tachycardia, others as bradycardia, some exhibit irregularity within a regular rhythm, and others are completely irregular. Each type has different management strategies; some may be monitored, some require medication, and ...[Read More] Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Understanding Your ESR Results: Is 14 mm/hr Normal or Not?
Normal values for ESR (Erythrocyte Sed I recently received my lab report, which shows an ESR of 14 (1 hr/mm), highlighted in red. I called the testing lab, and it seems that the reference value I found online is 20 (1 hr/mm). The lab informed me that they perform a 1-hour erythro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the reference values for ESR can vary significantly due to different methodologies, so it is normal for the standard values from the laboratory and those found online to differ. It is recommended to rely on the values from your testing laboratory. As for the elevated ESR l...[Read More] Understanding Your ESR Results: Is 14 mm/hr Normal or Not?
Managing Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: Concerns and Treatments
The issue of microalbuminuria? Dear Doctor Wu, I was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, and since then I have been controlling my diet and taking medication, maintaining my hemoglobin A1c below 6. My blood pressure before bed has been below 130. However, starting around No...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
ACR is used as a substitute for the 24-hour urine collection method to measure daily protein loss; the former is only an approximate estimation of the latter. Therefore, the accuracy of this estimation is inevitably not completely reliable. If ACR does not significantly increase,...[Read More] Managing Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: Concerns and Treatments
Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Lymphedema caused by dialysis? Hello Doctor: My father has a long history of dialysis due to a family history of hereditary diseases. As a result of the dialysis, he frequently experiences various side effects (such as weight loss, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea,...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the lack of direct examination of the patient, it is difficult to distinguish what you refer to as "lymphedema" from the "general edema" seen in dialysis patients. If it is general edema in dialysis patients, enhancing dehydration should resolve the iss...[Read More] Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Medications to Avoid and Take Before Dialysis: A Guide for Patients
Medications to Avoid and Medications That Can Be Taken Before Dialysis I would like to ask, as a dialysis patient, I have many medications that I bring myself. I want to know which medications are safe to take before dialysis and which ones should be avoided. Why is that?
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
There are many types of medications; could you tell me which ones you are taking?[Read More] Medications to Avoid and Take Before Dialysis: A Guide for Patients
Consequences of Delayed Dialysis in Acute Kidney Failure Patients
If acute renal failure is not treated with dialysis in a timely manner, it can lead to several serious complications, including: 1. Accumulation of waste products in the blood, leading to uremia. 2. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythm P...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Acute kidney failure, which is often more fatal or severe, primarily occurs in intensive care units. Among the common causes of acute kidney failure, sepsis is one of the most frequently reported. Studies indicate that even in cases of acute kidney failure not caused by infection...[Read More] Consequences of Delayed Dialysis in Acute Kidney Failure Patients
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry?
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello Doctor, I am 30 years old. In recent years, my health check-ups have shown elevated creatinine levels twice, around 1.2 or 1.3. My glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been in the 60s or 70s, but there is no protein or blood in my urine. I do not...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding your first question, a creatinine level of 1.2 or 1.3 roughly corresponds to a current estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of about 75 or 68, which is slightly low for your age. However, you mentioned that you do not have proteinuria or hematuria, nor do you hav...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry?
Understanding Common Dialysis Techniques: Hemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis
What are the currently commonly used dialysis techniques? Hello, doctor. I'm not seeking advice on symptoms; I would like to inquire about the most commonly used dialysis techniques currently. From my research, I found that there are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and he...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently the most commonly used treatment is hemodialysis, commonly known as kidney dialysis. However, its drawback is that patients must regularly visit a dialysis center for treatment. Therefore, the government is actively promoting peritoneal dialysis, which is the sec...[Read More] Understanding Common Dialysis Techniques: Hemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis
Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Dialysis - CEA A family member has been on dialysis for about 7 years and developed pleural effusion and loss of appetite due to low albumin levels. After hospitalization, the pleural effusion has improved. Currently, the hospital nutritionist recommends high-protein powder along...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
In patients with renal failure, many indicators will be higher than those of the general population. For example, in elderly individuals, smoking itself can lead to elevated levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). CEA is a monitoring tool rather than a diagnostic tool. Typicall...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Dialysis - CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) A family member has been on dialysis for about 7 years. Due to low albumin levels, they developed pleural effusion and loss of appetite. After hospitalization, the pleural effusion has improved. Currently, the hospital nutritionist recomm...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are many interfering factors for CEA, including older age and smoking. Additionally, CEA levels in dialysis patients may also be higher than normal. CEA is used as a marker for "monitoring" colorectal cancer, not for "diagnosis." The upper limit of CEA f...[Read More] Understanding CEA Levels in Dialysis Patients: What You Need to Know
Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
Understanding IgA Nephropathy: Key Questions and Concerns for Patients
Regarding IgA nephropathy? Hello Doctor, I recently went to see a physician due to proteinuria and hematuria. After several examinations, the doctor suspects I have IgA nephropathy. Since the test results are not yet available, I would like to ask a few questions in case I am dia...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Below are the responses to your questions. 1. IgA nephropathy can be well controlled with medication, but regular follow-up appointments are still necessary. Appropriate treatment can indeed reduce the risk of renal function deterioration leading to dialysis. 2. It is re...[Read More] Understanding IgA Nephropathy: Key Questions and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More
Body heat or feeling hot? Dear Doctor, My elder family member is 70 years old and has been undergoing dialysis three times a week for over three years. Recently, we have noticed that if he misses a dialysis session or goes two days without it, he experiences several uncomfortab...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, these symptoms may be caused by uremia. Hemodialysis treatment (commonly referred to as dialysis) is not a panacea and cannot be compared to the natural functions of healthy kidneys. It can only assist the body in eliminating some water-soluble t...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in Dialysis Patients: Heat Sensation and More