Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent decrease in platelet count? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I discovered through a blood test that I had a positive ANA and thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of about 100,000, along with a slight decrease in complement C3. All other test values were normal, and I susp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Your physician's treatment approach is more aggressive; administering pulse steroids can quickly adjust the uncontrolled immune function, potentially allowing the platelet count to return to a safer level and maintain it for a longer durat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Interpretation of Uric Acid Levels Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 97 kg. I have had high blood pressure since I was 16 years old. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. On March 15, I sprained my left ankle; at the time, there was no pain or swelling. However, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been losing weight for over a month, with my weight dropping from 104 kg to 97 kg. I would like to know if my lowest uric acid level in my life, which is 5.6 mg/dL, is due to dietary control or because I previ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
The SLE patient became manic and developed an abscess on the buttocks after changing medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), currently experiencing stage three nephritis and recurrent vasculitis of the skin. My current medications include...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The susceptibility to skin infections is indeed related to the current use of immunosuppressants. You may ask your physician to gradually taper your medication based on your condition. Additionally, it is important to protect your skin from inju...[Read More] Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
Can SLE Patients Safely Take Probiotics for Digestive Issues?
Can individuals with SLE take probiotics? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with SLE. Recently, I have been experiencing some digestive issues, including bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort (without abdominal pain, constipation, and with a normal appetite). I have seen a gastroen...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it is possible. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can SLE Patients Safely Take Probiotics for Digestive Issues?
Managing Lupus-Related Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by class IV lupus nephritis? My husband was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and developed class IV lupus nephritis after a biopsy last October. The rheumatologist recommended hospitalization for treatment. Initially, he h...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please follow the medical advice provided. If new symptoms or other concerns arise, please return for consultation with the attending physician in the Rheumatology and Immunology department. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Lupus-Related Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Can You Drink Alcohol While Undergoing Treatment for Polymyositis?
Is it safe to consume alcohol during the treatment of polymyositis? Hello, doctor. I am currently being treated for polymyositis with the following medications: =================================== * Azathioprine 50 mg (Azaprine) - one tablet per day * Donisone - four tablets p...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your current dosage of steroids is still high, so it is advisable to avoid alcohol for now. Once your steroid dosage is reduced to two pills or less per day, please discuss it with your physician. This is from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheuma...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Undergoing Treatment for Polymyositis?
Understanding Allergic Vasculitis: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Allergic vasculitis Hello, Doctor. About last weekend (12/10), I started to notice a rash on my legs (with no other obvious discomfort, just slight nasal discharge like nasal allergies). After two or three days, the rash increased significantly, so I visited a dermatologist. The ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the rash improves, I believe there is no need to visit a large hospital for further examination. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Allergic Vasculitis: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) I have been diagnosed with low complement urticarial vasculitis for about six months. My symptoms include skin rashes, weight loss, lower extremity vascular pain, and gum pain, along with peripheral neuropathy and dizziness...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How to treat hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis? --> Treatment will be arranged based on the severity of the condition. If you only have skin manifestations, antihistamines may be effective; if there is asso...[Read More] Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes After Pain Management in Diabetics
Factors Affecting Blood Glucose Levels I would like to consult a doctor. My mother has been experiencing lower back pain and has seen an orthopedic doctor. She received an injection and is taking muscle relaxants. Since my mother has diabetes, her blood sugar levels are regularly...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Pain can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, and certain injections, such as steroids, can also raise blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes After Pain Management in Diabetics
Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet associated with cryoglobulinemia? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time in early June this year and recovered. At the end of June, I noticed similar bleeding spots on both feet and visited the hospital, where t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. To determine whether it is a neurological issue, including polyneuropathy, you can consult a neurologist. They will assess whether further nerve conduction studies are necessary. This test can help initially differentiate between polyneuropathy,...[Read More] Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Allergy blood test report I have been coughing for six months, and recently my nasal allergies have been almost daily, so I had blood tests done, but my lung function tests are normal. The doctor prescribed me an asthma inhaler, and I am hesitant to use it because it contains ste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In Eastern populations, asthma often presents primarily as a chronic cough, with typical wheezing being less common. This may be why your physician prescribed this medication. Currently, inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of asthma treatm...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Pemphigus blood test values Recently diagnosed with pemphigus with intercellular antibody titer of 1:1280. There are no skin blisters and no biopsy performed. Currently, the symptoms are concentrated in the oral mucosa with redness and ulceration. What is the clinical significanc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Intercellular matrix antibodies are one of the blood tests used to diagnose pemphigus. A higher value indicates a greater amount of antibodies and is related to disease activity. However, the values can change with treatment and can serve as an...[Read More] Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
The skin bruises easily upon impact? Hello, doctor. I previously recovered from COVID-19 and noticed red spots (petechiae) on my calves. Later, my doctor diagnosed it as vasculitis. After a series of immunological tests, the main abnormalities found were cold agglutinins IgM (1+)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Cryoglobulinemia can also cause petechiae, but it is better to confirm this in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and examinations. I recommend that you have regular follow-ups with a specialist in immunology or hematology for a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Behçet's disease? Hello, doctor. I am a 43-year-old male. Previously, I experienced some issues with my glans and foreskin; when I tried to retract the foreskin to clean the glans, it would sometimes cause minor tears, but this would heal after a while. This symptom occurred...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The oral mucosal ulcers associated with Behçet's disease, similar to thrush, often occur in multiple locations, and the ulcers in the genital area are also similar. Based on your symptoms, it seems unlikely to be Behçet's disease. Addi...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression
Antibody Issues in Dermatomyositis I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis on November 20, 2023, with a positive result for PL-7 (++) and negative results for all others. At that time, I only experienced muscle weakness, mechanic's hands, and joint rashes, with no other symptom...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The blood test results you received are qualitative tests, which do not provide actual numerical values, so they are not very precise and do not necessarily indicate changes in disease status or worsening of your condition. I suggest not to worr...[Read More] Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Eosinophil count is low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test at the hospital, and one of the items was the eosinophil count, which was <18, while the standard range is 40-350. Could this be related to my oral Prednisolone treatment (1 tablet BID) for skin vasculitis 10...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your low eosinophil count is indeed a change in your test results due to your previous use of corticosteroids. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns