Genetic Tests do not appear to Improve Control of Blood Thinners

When administering the blood thinner warfarin, patients need to be administered the proper dose. If too much is given there is a risk of internal bleeding and on the other hand too little and there is a risk of developing blood clots. There is a delicate balance when using blood thinners therefore patients are monitored closely when taking them. A genetic test is done to test two genes. One of the genes influences how the liver metabolizes warfarin, and the other is about how the body responds to the blood thinner. A recent study, done by the Clarification of Optimal Anticoagulation through Genetics, looked at patients on warfarin from 2009-2013. This study was done dividing patients into two groups. The first group’s warfarin dosage was determined by clinical information such as weight, age and smoking status. The second group was given a dosage based on genetic testing and this clinical information. They found that genetic testing played no role in determining proper dosage. Furthermore it was found that in African Americans in the study had conditions worsen six months after original diagnosis when their dosage was determined by genetic testing. Previously, no clinical trials were conducted before having this genetic test widely used. This new finding has doctors bringing up the question “Should genetic tests be required before clinical use?” 

Links:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269141.php

Related Links:

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/521861/genetic-testing-falls-flat-in-large-patient-drug-trials/

http://news.uic.edu/genetic-test-will-help-dose-blood-thinner