Can You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis Without Genetic Markers?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Today, I went to see a doctor who said I have a condition similar to ankylosing spondylitis. However, my blood tests did not show the HLA-B27 gene, but there is indeed inflammation, and my X-rays are normal. I would like to ask if it is possible to have thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. More than 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis carry a specific gene, but this also means that a small percentage of patients (less than 10%) may not have this gene. Therefore, our diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is not solely based o...[Read More] Can You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis Without Genetic Markers?
Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
How to manage a recurrence of a chronic thoracic condition? Seven years ago, Xiao Min was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever, which led to the discovery of pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity, diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated and prescribed medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the factors influencing the occurrence of diseases are numerous and typically involve a combination of constitution, environment, personal health care, genetics, and other factors. Not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and consistently engaging ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Tests and Treatment Options
Cardiac issues and diagnostic concerns? Recently, my heart has been racing, reaching a maximum of 136 beats per minute, and my hands also tremble. I underwent a resting electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray, and the doctor said everything was normal, only prescribing me antiarrhyth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, heart rhythm medications primarily control heart rate and should not have a significant impact on thyroid function. As for the reason behind your increased heart rate, it may be necessary to visit a family medicine or cardiology specialist for a 24-hour Holter monitor to c...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Tests and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated Protein S Levels During IVF: What You Need to Know
Slightly elevated protein S? Hello Doctor: I have recently undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and had my Protein S levels tested, which came back at 130%. The normal range for Protein S at the IVF clinic is 60-120%. The IVF doctor did not provide any specific explan...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao-Chin, in clinical practice, we pay more attention to the issue of low protein S levels. If the protein S test results are simply elevated, it usually does not pose significant clinical problems. For more detailed information, please be sure to consult your physic...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Protein S Levels During IVF: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Your Lab Results and Concerns
Kidney problems I received my health check report on December 29. My kidney function indices are BUN 11.8, Creatinine 0.66, uric acid 5.81, and urine leukocytes (+) with 6-8 leukocytes in the urine. The rest of the urine test results are normal. Can you tell me if I have kidney d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Zhang Xuanxuan: Based on the information you provided, there is no evidence to suggest that you have kidney disease. Your health check physician is correct; it is possible that the urine was contaminated. It could also be due to slight increases in perineal secretions, ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Your Lab Results and Concerns
Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
IgG: 1750 and IgG4: 208? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have some questions. Recently, after several days of staying up late, I have been feeling very fatigued, experiencing dry mouth and reduced saliva. Therefore, I visited an oral surgeon, but they did not ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I will address your questions as follows: 1. You may have IgG4-related disease, which has symptoms similar to Sjögren's syndrome. It may require long-term medication, but there might be possibilities for dose reduction or discontinuation. ...[Read More] Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks of Infection After Mixed Test Results
If the other person tested positive for HIV on their first test but did not have a second test, is there a risk of transmission to me? I was a woman, and a few days ago I had an encounter with a man. Later, during our conversation, he mentioned that he tested positive for HIV dur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the previous case of testing positive for HIV during military service, the response is as follows: 1. HIV testing is conducted in two stages: first is the ELISA test, and second is the Western blot test. 2. The former is a screening method that measures...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks of Infection After Mixed Test Results
Can I Trust My Test Results? Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Diagnosis
Can it be confirmed or not? Doctor, I am from Tainan. On October 7th, I was at high risk. On October 14th, I experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea. On October 18th, I went to a testing facility for an RTPCR test (negative), and the P24 test was also (negative). On November 2nd,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kai: 1. HIV RT-PCR is primarily used in the early stages of HIV infection, approximately around 7 days post-exposure. If infection has occurred, the viral load is very low, so PCR is utilized in the laboratory to amplify the viral quantity, allowing for the detection ...[Read More] Can I Trust My Test Results? Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Syphilis Titers: Can They Decrease Over Time?
Syphilis index Hello doctor, I discovered in September that I was infected with syphilis, with a titer of 1:2. After taking the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor for a month, I returned for a follow-up, and the doctor said the titer remained the same at 1:2, which seems diffic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Infection with Syphilis...>, the response is as follows: A: 1. The current testing methods for syphilis are RPR/VDRL and TPHA/TPPA. Both tests measure antibodies produced in response to the syphilis pathogen, rather than detecting the pathogen...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Titers: Can They Decrease Over Time?
Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Clostridium infection Hello doctor, does Chlamydia infection-related arthritis lead to high uric acid levels?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding Chlamydia arthritis, the response is as follows, referencing http://blog.xuite.net/apex0818/twblog/121592288-%E6%8A%AB%E8%A1%A3%E8%8F%8C%E9%97%9C%E7%AF%80%E7%82%8EI. I. Cause: Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis after sexual contact is a common cause ...[Read More] Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Blood test issues Hello, Dr. Gao. During a urine test at an external laboratory, my kidney function test showed an abnormal urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 30-300 (normal value is <30). In a blood test, one of the serum immunology tests, ANA (antinuclear antibody), showed...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. An ANA test result of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range. You only need to have the test results evaluated by a physician. The physician will determine whether further action is necessary based on any related symptoms you may have. The Allergy,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Do You Really Need Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Do patients with Sjögren's syndrome always need to take medication? I have been experiencing dry eyes for 15 years, long-term hair loss for the past 10 years, and have developed vitiligo in the last 6 years, with my hair turning white quickly. I have thyroiditis that only re...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can vary in severity, which will determine whether the physician prescribes medication. In addition to your subjective experience of symptoms, regular blood test results should also be evaluated. Some pat...[Read More] Do You Really Need Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Can You Work in Food Service with Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism Hello, I would like to ask the doctor if someone with hyperthyroidism can work in the service industry, specifically in the food and beverage sector, considering that I just started medication in mid-September.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Chuang, thank you for your question. To my knowledge, thyroid function should be monitored again two weeks to one month after starting medication, and the physician will decide whether to adjust the medication based on the test results. In principle, as long as hyperthy...[Read More] Can You Work in Food Service with Hyperthyroidism?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism At the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the thyroid examination results are as follows: 1. Test Name Test Value Reference Range Result Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 0~5.61 IU/mL Nor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kuo: Based on the values you provided: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.450 (Reference range: 0–5.61 IU/mL) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.380 (Reference range: 0–4.11 IU/mL) - Free T4: 1.520 (Reference range: 0.7–1.48 ng/dL) - TSH: <0.0025 (Reference range: 0.35–4.94 µIU/mL) - T3: 2....[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Test Name Test Value Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 Anti-Tg Ab (ATA) 4.38 Free T4 1.52 TSH <1.52 T3 2.220 Is this hyperthyroidism? Should medication be taken to control it? Does tak...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Guo: 1. Your test results are as follows: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.45 IU/ml (Reference range: <5.61) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.38 IU/ml (Reference range: <14.4) - Free T4: 1.52 ng/dl (Reference range: 0.89–1.76) - TSH: <1.52 μIU/ml (Reference range: 0.39–4.2...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers on Kidney Function Tests
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and creatinine? Hello: The health check showed a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 54, which is below the standard low threshold of 60. The creatinine level is 1.5. After adjusting for age 42, the GFR of 54 is considered too low. The ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: If you are currently using painkillers, it is recommended to stop the medication before retesting kidney function, urine protein levels, and undergoing a renal ultrasound to rule out chronic or acute kidney failure. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers on Kidney Function Tests
Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: Are Your Levels Normal?
Thyroid issues The thyroid function indices are as follows: T3 0.71, T4 5.60, and TSH 0.7579. Are these values considered normal? I have been advised by nurses and school health staff since childhood to get my thyroid function tested because my neck appears more swollen than aver...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, each laboratory test reagent may produce slightly different values, so these values should be interpreted in conjunction with the normal reference range for that specific reagent. However, they should generally fall within the normal range. Visual inspection alone may not ...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: Are Your Levels Normal?
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Managing High HbA1c Levels: Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Care
Health check values Hello doctor, there is a family history of diabetes in my household, and I have had consistently high HbA1c levels for the past three months, with values of 6.0, 5.8, and 5.8. My fasting blood sugar levels are 90 and 116, but I forgot the third measurement. Ad...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your test results, you are currently in the "prediabetes" stage, and there is a significant risk of progressing to diabetes. It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to guide you in weight management and other lifestyle changes to prevent th...[Read More] Managing High HbA1c Levels: Tips for Diabetes Prevention and Care
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Could this indicate the possibility of diabetes? Hello, Doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had a blood test that showed a hemoglobin A1c of 5.0 and a fasting blood glucose level of 86. From the end of May until today, my height and weight changed from 160 cm/55 kg to 160 cm/52 kg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. NN: 1. Zoloft® (Sertraline) is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because it specifically inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, exhibiting a selectivity for serotonin transporters that is 300 to 3000 times greater compared to norepinephrine tran...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss