Managing Low Calcium Levels After Kidney Transplant: Alternatives and Solutions
I would like to inquire about the issue of low calcium levels after kidney transplantation? Hello, I have been on dialysis for many years and underwent parathyroidectomy, with part of the parathyroid gland buried under my shoulder. After my kidney transplant, I have consistently ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: First, it is recommended to consult your physician regarding the values of parathyroid hormone and serum phosphorus in your routine blood test report, as these two values determine the difficulty of subsequent calcium supplementation and influence the physician's choi...[Read More] Managing Low Calcium Levels After Kidney Transplant: Alternatives and Solutions
Common Questions from Families of New Dialysis Patients
Questions from family members of novice kidney patients? Dear Dr. Wu, I hope this message finds you well. My elderly family member has recently entered the dialysis stage due to chronic kidney failure, and as a novice caregiver, I have some questions I would like to ask you. 1....
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Determine an appropriate target dry weight: approximately 1-2 weeks, unless the patient has a history of pulmonary edema or generalized edema, in which case additional time may be needed. 2. If the dry weight has been achieved but blood pressure remains elevated, antihypertens...[Read More] Common Questions from Families of New Dialysis Patients
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Dialysis Patients: Key Considerations
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Dialysis Patients Hello, Dr. Ke. My grandfather is a dialysis patient with uremia and needs long-term dialysis. He lacks patience and does not have a regular habit of measuring and recording his blood pressure at home. Recently, we have consider...
Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
Dialysis patients may experience significant fluctuations in blood pressure due to reduced urine output and dehydration during the dialysis process. It is generally recommended to purchase a blood pressure monitor and measure blood pressure regularly each day. During dialysis, nu...[Read More] Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Dialysis Patients: Key Considerations
Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Kidney proteinuria Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. Question 1: This week, I observed that my urine has a lot of bubbles and appears cloudy after each bathroom visit. I also experience pain in both sides of my lower back. Could this indicate protein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate the presence of urinary albumin; actual conditions should be confirmed through testing. 2. To assess kidney function, it is essential to conduct relevant kidney function tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, he...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Your Creatinine Level: Is 0.61 a Cause for Concern?
Creatinine 0.61 Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about my health check-up results. I saw that my creatinine level is 0.61. Does this indicate any kidney issues? Do I need dialysis? How can I improve this? I really don't want dialysis or surgery; I'm very scared...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, Student Chang! The creatinine level of 0.61 in your health check report is within the normal range. It is recommended to drink 2000cc of water daily and maintain a regular diet and lifestyle. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Wei-Jie, Attending Physici...[Read More] Understanding Your Creatinine Level: Is 0.61 a Cause for Concern?
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Rate of Kidney Decline Issue I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with hypertension (>180) in August. My creatinine level was 1.8, and my eGFR was 44. After starting treatment with antihypertensive medication (Amlodipine) and Pentoxifylline, my creatinine level improved to 1.41...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, it is evident that you have a certain understanding of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Currently, your greatest risk factor is hypertension. Caring for your kidneys is a lifelong commitment, so it is essential to control your blood pressure...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Unexplained proteinuria? Hello, doctor. I do not have any high-risk factors for kidney disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, family history...), but I was diagnosed with proteinuria four years ago. Over the past few years, my protein levels have fluctuated between "+3 and n...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, You have reported proteinuria at 3+ for over four years. I am unsure if your physician has discussed the possibility of a kidney biopsy with you to confirm the diagnosis. If it is chronic glomerulonephritis, there are various treatment options available, such as ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and an eGFR of 55, how strict should dietary control be? Will occasional indulgences harm the kidneys? For instance, if I occasionally go out with friends for hot pot or barbecue, or if...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: According to the guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation, a low-protein diet should be limited to 0.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, with at least two-thirds being high biological value protein. However, achieving this can be challenging, and some rec...[Read More] Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips for Diet and Medication
Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Doctor, my grandmother has issues with hypertension, diabetes, and anemia. Additionally, she was diagnosed this year with proteinuria and chronic kidney failure, but she has not yet started dialysis. Her reports show creatinine levels from June to Sep...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Kalimate is an exchange resin that binds potassium ions for excretion from the body. The excretion of potassium ions (K+) decreases during renal function deterioration and end-stage renal disease, leading to hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause arrhythmias and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips for Diet and Medication
Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Which specialty should I see? Hello: Problem description: I have been on dialysis for five and a half years, and my alkaline phosphatase levels have consistently been below 30, which is quite low. Online searches suggest a connection with anemia, and it is recommended to consul...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding your question, laboratory medicine primarily utilizes various tools in the laboratory to assist in the assessment of health status and physiological functions in preventive medicine, as well as in the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, ...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Managing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Insights on Treatment and Kidney Function
Bilateral hydronephrosis Hello Doctor: Due to endometriosis causing ureteral stricture and hydronephrosis, I have had three double-J stents placed in my right kidney over the past four years, with no significant improvement and persistent hydronephrosis. Recent examinations revea...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Friend, 1. The decision regarding the first issue depends on the circumstances. In principle, severely reduced kidney function is not an indication for nephrectomy unless there are recurrent, persistent infections that have led to abscess formation, or the presence of malig...[Read More] Managing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Insights on Treatment and Kidney Function
High Creatinine Levels After Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
After dialysis, creatinine and liver enzyme levels remain elevated? Hello Dr. Wu: I started dialysis in March, and my most recent blood test report showed several values outside the reference range: creatinine was 8.0 before dialysis and 3.1 after; urea was 134 mg/dL before and 4...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions, I would like to respond in the following points: 1) The effectiveness of dialysis is commonly referred to by two key indicators: one is the Urea Reduction Ratio (URR, which should be >65%), and the other is Kt/V. Based on the index you provid...[Read More] High Creatinine Levels After Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Hello, Dr. Wu. Could you please explain the relationship between glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria? Hello Dr. Wu, in my last hospital check-up report, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was highlighted in red at 83 mL/min/1.73 m², with a reference value of greater than ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) used by hospitals is estimated based on formulas derived from past research statistics on patients with chronic kidney disease. Factors such as age, weight, body composition, gender, and ethnicity can all influence the calculation of th...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Protein Intake: Guidelines for Kidney Health and Function
The amount of protein intake? Hello, doctor. Should individuals with impaired kidney function limit their protein intake? And for individuals with normal kidney function, should they also restrict their protein consumption? Can excessive protein intake in the general population l...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, (1) Individuals with impaired kidney function should indeed limit their protein intake. Generally, as kidney function deteriorates, the recommended daily protein intake should be reduced to about 80% of that of the general population (0.8 grams per kilogram per day; the ty...[Read More] Protein Intake: Guidelines for Kidney Health and Function
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous) Is chronic glomerulonephritis (membranous) always destined to require dialysis in the end? If treatment and management are ongoing, what should be noted in daily life? Will conditions like cold, fever, blood tests for creatinine, and albuminuri...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, for membranous nephropathy (chronic nephritis), it is recommended to identify the underlying causes, manage diet, proteinuria, and blood pressure. Dialysis may not be inevitable. It is advised to follow up at a nephrology clinic for further consultation. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Understanding Proteinuria: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Solutions
Kidney disease - Proteinuria I started noticing proteinuria about three years ago, as I often see bubbles in my urine that take a long time to dissipate. It seems that this is due to some issues with my kidneys. 1. I would like to ask if I continue to ignore this condition, is ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description of "often having bubbles when using the restroom," it is important to note that the presence of foam in urine does not automatically indicate proteinuria. The foamy appearance of urine is a reminder to consult a physician for further evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Risks, Kidney Health, and Dietary Solutions
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Hepatitis B carrier I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If the person I like does not have antibodies, can I transmit the virus to them? I have had tests done before, and the doctor said there were no issues.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The causes of hepatitis B infection can be divided into vertical and horizontal transmission. The former refers to infants being infected by hepatitis B carrier mothers at birth or during the perinatal period, while the latter includes sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, s...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?