Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: Causes and Implications
Thrombocytosis? At the end of January this year, I underwent a health check and found that my platelet count was elevated, with three subsequent tests showing values of 487, 536, and 520. The doctor indicated that the reference range is between 200 and 400. However, the first hos...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, most autoimmune diseases cause low platelet counts rather than high. High platelet counts can be classified into: 1. idiopathic, 2. inflammatory diseases, 3. hematologic disorders, 4. medications, and 5. infections. If you have further questions, please consult a hematolog...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: Causes and Implications
Antibiotic Recommendations for SLE Patients with Joint Replacements
Infection prevention Hello, Dr. Zheng! I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and have undergone total hip arthroplasty on both sides. I had my right hip replaced in 1998 and my left hip replaced in 1999. Shortly after the left hip surgery, I went to the dentist a...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, administering 2 grams of ampicillin preoperatively can effectively prevent complications from streptococcal infections. However, if both of your osteomyelitis cases are caused by atypical bacteria, special treatment may be necessary. - Dr. Cheng Shu-Hsi...[Read More] Antibiotic Recommendations for SLE Patients with Joint Replacements
Can I Use Welirex with Lupus? Safety and Availability Concerns
Systemic Lupus E Hello Dr. Tseng: I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and I have been diagnosed for two years. My condition is currently stable, and I am taking 7.5 mg of steroids and 50 mg of Neoral daily. However, I have a question: Can I use Wellbutrin? Wil...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Willow herb is a topical medication that is often used occasionally and does not affect SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). However, since patients with SLE often take corticosteroids or immunomodulators, it is important to use it correctly and maintain local hygiene to pr...[Read More] Can I Use Welirex with Lupus? Safety and Availability Concerns
Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I have been experiencing some discomfort in my lower back, and after a hospital examination, the doctor mentioned that there seems to be blood in my urine. Upon further review of the test results, the doctor indicated that the findings are on th...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello Miss Ya-Chi! Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects young women. There are 11 diagnostic criteria, and a diagnosis is confirmed if 4 or more criteria are met. If fewer than 4 criteria are met, it may be what your physician refers to as &...[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Managing Lupus: Treatment Options and Dietary Considerations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Tseng: Thank you for your response. My friend is currently hospitalized for treatment of lupus erythematosus, but the high fever has not subsided. Almost all kinds of tests have been conducted, yet the cause remains undetermined. Is st...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who present with high fever must be evaluated to differentiate whether the fever is due to an infection or an exacerbation of the lupus disease itself. If the fever is caused by the disease, corticosteroids may be used for manageme...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Treatment Options and Dietary Considerations
Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA 640X, WBC 3300, Eosinophils 6%, Lymphocytes 45%, Hct 37.1%, Albumin 4.64 g/dL, Globulin 3.22 g/dL, A/G Ratio 1.44, GOT and GPT normal, total bilirubin 0.96 (slightly elevated). Is this indicative of systemic lupus erythematosus?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
ANA 1:640X, WBC: 3300, with other results within normal limits. Based on the information provided in your letter, it cannot be directly confirmed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis of SLE requires meeting at least four out of eleven clinical criteria for a defin...[Read More] Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Sjögren's syndrome The English term for 謝格連氏症 is Sjögren's syndrome. Patients can develop this condition due to an autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own moisture-producing glands, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth and dr...
Dr. Zheng Hongyi Reply:
Hello, I am Dr. Cheng. Regarding your question, the full name of Sjögren's syndrome is Sjögren's syndrome. This condition is not caused by an infection; it is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal immune system activity. It leads to lymphocytic infiltr...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
Some questions about fever? I experienced fever more than a dozen times last year, but it rarely exceeded 39 degrees Celsius. Before I noticed the fever, I would first experience a sore throat, which made me realize I was running a fever. Why do I frequently have fevers, and why ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Long-term low-grade intermittent fever should raise considerations for chronic inflammation, lymphoproliferative disorders, and collagen vascular diseases. The former, particularly in Taiwan, should include the possibility of tuberculosis. The second category may also apply to yo...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lupus Flare-Ups During Pregnancy: Risks and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Ke: I would like to ask you a question. During pregnancy, the recurrence of lupus erythematosus causing atrophy on one side of the hip is it due to the use of corticosteroids? The doctor suggested that I need to have a joint replacemen...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, sister: Long-term use of corticosteroids in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can lead to avascular necrosis of the hip (femoral head), and in severe cases, joint replacement may be necessary. A detailed evaluation and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon is esse...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Flare-Ups During Pregnancy: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is Shy-Drager syndrome? My mother has been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for over ten years, with frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Doctors believe she has colonic dysmotility and have also mentioned irritable bowel syndrome. In recent years, she has been diag...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Tsai: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms such as chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, keratoconjunctivitis, and difficulty swallowing (due to reduced saliva), as well as bilateral parotid gland enlargement. It often coexists with other au...[Read More] Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding AMIA, ANA, and Their Significance in Immune System Health
Immune system AMIA stands for Antimitochondrial Antibodies, which are often associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly primary biliary cholangitis. A titer of 53 indicates the concentration of these antibodies in the blood, with higher values suggesting a stronger autoim...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
1. AMIN is the abbreviation for the examination of thyroid function-related microsomal antibodies, formally known as Anti-Microsomal Antibody. 2. ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) is a test item related to autoimmune diseases, and the testing methods vary. In our hospital's test...[Read More] Understanding AMIA, ANA, and Their Significance in Immune System Health