Effective Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C If it is known that one has hepatitis C, how should it be treated and what measures can be taken to prevent it from progressing to chronic hepatitis?
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Infection with hepatitis C can lead to chronic hepatitis in about half of the cases. These individuals have a risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer after several years. Therefore, once diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, it is essential to monitor liver function (GOT, GPT)...[Read More] Effective Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Hepatitis C
Understanding Liver Health: Preventing Cancer, Cirrhosis, and Jaundice
Liver Hello, Doctor: I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask you about liver issues. 1. Liver cancer is one of the top ten causes of death. I read a section in "Preventing Liver Cancer" that states: "Preventing Chronic Hepatitis": vaccination a...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
1. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood, so sharing needles or using the same razor that causes cuts and bleeding can transmit these viruses if blood enters another person's wound. Additionally, drug users sharing needles and tattooing can also lead to transmissio...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Preventing Cancer, Cirrhosis, and Jaundice
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Definition
Chronic treatment methods for hepatitis C include antiviral medications such as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which can effectively cure the infection. Treatment regimens typically last from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific medication used and the patient's health...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
After infection with the hepatitis C virus, there is an 80-90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis. After 20 years, 20% of those with chronic hepatitis may progress to cirrhosis, and among cirrhosis patients, there is an annual incidence of 3-6% for hepatocellular carcinoma. C...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Treatment Options and Definition
Understanding Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase: What You Need to Know
What is glutamate-pyruvate transaminase? Hello Dr. Lee: This year our company conducted health check-ups, and one of the tests we had was for glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT). The normal range is (0-25) IU/L, and my result was slightly elevated at 26. Could you please explai...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
This is an enzyme primarily derived from liver cells. Clinically, we often refer to it as ALT or GPT. A certain amount is naturally released when liver cells undergo normal turnover each day, and it can be detected through serum biochemical tests, with a typical range of approxim...[Read More] Understanding Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase: What You Need to Know
Managing Abdominal Ascites: When to Drain and Treatment Options
Management of abdominal ascites? Dear Dr. Lu, My mother-in-law is 60 years old and has hepatitis C. Yesterday, she was diagnosed with abdominal ascites. The doctor advised us to wait for a call from the hospital to arrange for hospitalization to drain the fluid. I would like to ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Raylene: If the fluid accumulation is not significant, diuretics can be used to temporarily alleviate symptoms. The doctor suggests hospitalization as the fluid accumulation may be more severe, and in addition to paracentesis, further examinations are necessary.[Read More] Managing Abdominal Ascites: When to Drain and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Please ask questions related to the liver and pancreas? The individual has a relative with the following blood and biochemical reports: Biochemical tests: - G.O.T (AST): 444 - G.P.T (ALT): 533 - Total Protein: 7.4 - Albumin: 3.6 - Globulin: 3.8 - A/G Ratio: 0.9 - Alpha-Fetoprot...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The GOP and GPT (liver enzyme) levels are elevated above 400, and the hepatitis C virus antibody test is positive (Anti-HCV(+)). The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is significantly above 40, and the A/G ratio is less than 1. These findings indicate that the patient is suffering fr...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks and Precautions for Pregnancy
Hepatitis C Hello! I would like to ask, my husband has hepatitis C, and he undergoes regular check-ups every six months (blood tests and ultrasounds). If we plan to have a child, I am concerned about whether I or the child could be infected, and if there are any other precautions...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hepatitis C is the second most prevalent liver disease in Taiwan, following Hepatitis B. Approximately half of patients with Hepatitis C have a history of blood transfusions; other possible routes of infection include the use of unclean needles, acupuncture, tattoos, and ear pier...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Risks and Precautions for Pregnancy
Effective Management and Care for Hepatitis C: Key Insights and Tips
Treatment and Care for Hepatitis C Dear Dr. Yang, For a 56-year-old patient newly diagnosed with Hepatitis C, can taking liver protection supplements effectively control or even cure the condition? What lifestyle and dietary precautions should be taken?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Is the liver medication you are currently taking effective? Please come to our clinic for treatment at Internal Medicine 5, Dr. Yang Guojun, who previously served as a research physician in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at National Taiwan University Hospital (...[Read More] Effective Management and Care for Hepatitis C: Key Insights and Tips
Understanding Low Cholesterol: Its Link to Hepatitis B and Recovery Tips
Low cholesterol A few days ago, I read a report in the newspaper stating that low cholesterol levels can also lead to hepatitis B. My mother has low cholesterol and also has hepatitis B. Is there a connection between the two? How can low cholesterol levels be restored to normal? ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hepatitis B is a type of viral hepatitis caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Cholesterol is a type of lipid in the body that provides some energy and is necessary for hormone synthesis, so there is no direct relationship between the two. Under normal circumstances, ch...[Read More] Understanding Low Cholesterol: Its Link to Hepatitis B and Recovery Tips
Is Interferon Effective for Chronic Fatigue and Enlarged Spleen in Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Frequent fatigue and splenomegaly, along with a diagnosis of hepatitis C, raises concerns about the effectiveness of interferon therapy. Interferon can be effective in treating hepatitis C, but the response varies among individuals. It is important to consult with a h...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Combination therapy for hepatitis C, involving interferon and antiviral medications, can achieve an effectiveness of approximately 70%.[Read More] Is Interferon Effective for Chronic Fatigue and Enlarged Spleen in Hepatitis C?