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
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 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 Positive Cryoglobulin Tests: Implications for Your Health
Cryoglobulin test Hello, doctor. In July, I tested positive for cryoglobulinemia with IgM (1+) due to vasculitis, and my RF IgM was 13.92. In early October, I retested and found cryoglobulinemia positive for IgM (1+) and IgG (1+), with RF IgM at 12.8. My usual symptoms are not si...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In cases of cryoglobulinemic paraproteinemia, the immunoglobulins can sometimes be of a mixed type, resulting in positive tests for either IgG or IgM. Regardless of whether it is IgG or IgM, both can lead to elevated levels of γ-globulin, so th...[Read More] Understanding Positive Cryoglobulin Tests: Implications for Your Health
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 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 Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Vasculitis symptoms issues? Doctor, I am the previous patient who inquired about vasculitis. It has been confirmed that my skin condition is not ANCA-related and has improved. However, I am unsure why this afternoon I experienced some abdominal discomfort and lower back pain. Aft...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the symptoms you described are not specific, but if you are concerned, you can schedule an earlier follow-up appointment for tests. A simple urine test can help determine if there are any issues with your kidneys. The Allergy, Immunolo...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
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
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
System for Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Erythematosus / Major Illness / Specific Illness / Special Program Hello, Dr. Gao. I would like to inquire whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for major illness or specific illness certification to receive h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for catastrophic illness or specific illness certification to receive medication subsidies from health insurance? Or can they apply for a heal...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Inquiry about complement C1Q? The C1q-CIC value is 8.2, which is considered equivocal based on the reference values (Negative: < 4.4 μg Eq/ml; Equivocal: 4.4 - <10.8 μg Eq/ml; Positive: >= 10.8 μg Eq/ml). Currently, there are no autoimmune diseases, with negative antinuc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. C1q is a protein related to immune function in the body, while CIC (Circulating Immune Complex) refers to immune complexes circulating in the blood, which are protein aggregates formed by antibodies and antigens. In principle, the body normally...[Read More] Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Understanding Elevated Atypical p-ANCA Levels Despite Improved Vasculitis Symptoms
Elevated ANCA levels in vasculitis? Hello Doctor, I previously had unexplained red spots on both of my calves. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with vasculitis. Over the course of about three months, I took antihistamines, corticosteroids, and colchicine, and my symp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Atypical p-ANCA is less specific and may not necessarily correlate with disease activity. If there are no significant symptoms, monitoring is sufficient. It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle and incorporate appropriate exercise to s...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Atypical p-ANCA Levels Despite Improved Vasculitis Symptoms
Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
I'm not sure where to look? The patient has experienced abnormal sensations in the left limb for approximately two years and has had persistent hematuria for over three years, although kidney examinations have returned normal results. There is a mild Raynaud's phenomeno...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I believe it may still be an issue related to immunology or rheumatology. I recommend that you first visit the immunology and rheumatology department at a medical center, where they can arrange for more detailed examinati...[Read More] Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
Understanding Unexplained Red Dots on the Chin: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained red spots on the chin? Hello Doctor: Last night, I suddenly noticed a red patch on my chin, and upon closer inspection, it appears to have small red spots that look like broken capillaries. There are about two areas on my chin with this condition, and it has not dissi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on the images, it does not appear to be a microvascular rupture or a vasculitis lesion. I recommend further observation. If you are truly concerned, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatolog...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Red Dots on the Chin: Causes and Concerns
Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Side effects of hyperthyroidism medications? I have Graves' disease and have been taking PTU for 14 years. In March of this year, I was diagnosed with P-ANCA vasculitis. I stopped taking PTU due to concerns about its side effects. I have previously taken methimazole and carb...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Vasculitis caused by methimazole is less common than that caused by PTU. If radioactive iodine treatment is not acceptable, the only option is to try using methimazole in combination with antihistamines.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights