Genetics determine optimal dose of common anticoagulant

Genetic testing can be used to help personalize the therapeutic dosage of warfarin, a commonly-used anticoagulant, according to research published in the September 1 issue of Blood.

For the first time, a group of St Louis, USA, researchers combined the standard INR method with genetic testing to predict the therapeutic warfarin dose. Since it is often prescribed after major orthopedic surgery to prevent blood clots in the legs, the study followed 92 adults undergoing total hip or knee replacement at the Washington University Medical Center, who had never taken warfarin.