Which Department Should I Register for Hepatitis B Consultation?

Update Date: 2024-06-06 Source: Network

Generally, hepatitis B registration is done through the Infectious Diseases Department or Liver Disease Specialist. Hepatitis B is an infectious disease primarily transmitted through blood or sexual contact, and also vertically from mother to child. Common symptoms of hepatitis B include right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, aversion to greasy food, decreased appetite, fatigue, yellow urine, and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. Factors such as alcohol consumption, medication, staying up late, and overexertion can easily trigger acute hepatitis B attacks. Hepatitis B patients need to regularly undergo liver function tests, quit smoking and alcohol, and avoid overexertion or staying up late.

Regular check-ups for hepatitis B patients typically include the following items:

1. Liver Function Tests: These primarily consist of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), cholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, globulin, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and prothrombin activity. These indicators help comprehensively assess the current state of liver function, the stage of the disease, and its severity.

2. Ultrasonography: Regular ultrasonographic exams allow for the assessment of liver size, shape, portal vein diameter, spleen thickness, echogenicity, and the presence of ascites. This helps determine whether the condition is progressing towards cirrhosis or allows for the early detection of tumors.

3. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): During hepatitis flare-ups, AFP levels generally do not increase significantly, and even if they do, they typically remain below 200 nanograms. However, in cases of liver cancer, AFP levels often exceed 400 nanograms. Sustained elevations of AFP above 400 nanograms may indicate liver cancer, requiring further investigation.

4. Blood Routine Examination: This primarily includes checks for hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Changes in blood parameters can provide insights into the severity of the disease, especially in cases of cirrhosis. For instance, mild thrombocytopenia may be observed in early-stage cirrhosis, while in mid to late-stage cirrhosis, hypersplenism can lead to a decrease in all blood cell counts. Decreased hemoglobin levels alone may indicate the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding.