Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the use of biologics for psoriatic arthritis? Hello, doctor. I have psoriatic arthritis, and one out of three doctors has applied for a biologic agent for me (currently under review). However, one of my blood test results shows HBc IgG...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive HBc-IgG indicates that you have had a past infection and may still have latent hepatitis B virus. You can still use biologics, but it is important to regularly monitor the hepatitis B virus load to check for any reactivation during tr...[Read More] Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked for the second time. I am reposting my previous response below; please avoid repeating questions in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for further detailed examinations to conf...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Examination Report Hello Dr. Lee, please help me interpret this blood test report. Thank you. Triglycerides (TG): 52 mg/dL Free Thyroxine (FT4): 1.44 ng/mL Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): 1.0742 µIU/mL Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 89 mg/dL Total Cholesterol: 172 mg/...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood test report shows no significant abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to confirm the diagnosis. In principle, if there are no symptoms, we may not necessarily initiate treatment. If the symptoms ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researching ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in the values of two complement components over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may report different values, but I am unsure i...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I have previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in two complement values over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may have varying values, but I am unsure if this drop is signifi...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
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 Renal Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Kidney cyst issues? Hello, doctor. I experienced pain in my right upper back at the beginning of September. The pain extended to my right abdomen and groin, prompting me to visit Hospital A for an emergency consultation. An ultrasound of my kidneys revealed a cyst. I was advised ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the nephrology outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Renal Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Blood test? Hello, doctor. This time I suddenly experienced dizziness and vomited twice. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results showed RBC 5.11, Basophils 1.9, total cholesterol 202, and triglycerides 219, all highlighted in red. Both RBC and Basophils are sligh...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you still experience discomfort, please return for a follow-up appointment to have your attending physician assess your condition and address your concerns in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Urinary albumin Hello Doctor: This morning I went to the medical laboratory for a simple health check, and I just received the report showing a highlighted value of "urine albumin at 30," with a normal range of 10. This has made me very anxious, and I would like to ask ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to go to the hospital for another test to determine the need for dialysis based on blood toxins, such as creatinine. Simply looking at urine cannot guarantee health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome and medication issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome two years ago, initially experiencing only dry mouth. By June, I developed stiffness in my finger joints (sometimes only in the morning, sometimes lasting half a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on the blood test report and the current symptom of dry mouth, do I need to take quinine? If I do not take it, what potential complications might arise in the future? (I have been hesitant to take medication sinc...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Will the ESR test values vary significantly between different hospitals? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of the ESR test vary significantly due to diffe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The same individual may have varying ESR values on different days due to different physical conditions. However, if the same blood sample is tested using the same testing equipment at different hospitals, the values should be similar. Unless different testing tools are used or th...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....[Read More] Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...[Read More] Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Is it possible for the ESR values to vary significantly when the same blood sample is tested at different hospitals? Hello, Dr. Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Each hospital has slightly different testing methods and standard values, so the results may indeed vary. Please pay attention to the normal reference ranges for the tests; if your results fall within the normal range, there is no need for exces...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Blood Donation and HIV Issues Hello, my girlfriend has had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past but did not get tested. Later, she donated blood and received a report stating that her blood was suitable for use (multiplex NAT negative). However, I saw that the blood donatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although AIDS can cause immune dysfunction, AIDS-related diseases are classified as infectious diseases. Therefore, questions related to AIDS should be directed to the Infectious Disease Department. Please consult with them. Thank you! The Aller...[Read More] Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know