DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've found two genetic alterations linked to an enzyme deficiency that may help patients remain anemia-free during hepatitis C therapy.
Researchers at Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy say many people undergoing treatment for hepatitis C develop hemolytic anemia, a disorder that destroys red blood cells. In some cases, it is so severe they have to reduce their medication or stop therapy altogether.
But the scientists say their latest discovery opens the door to treatment for patients who have never been considered candidates for therapy, and the finding might also hold the key to new drugs that could prevent anemia from developing in the first place.
The research is detailed in the early online edition of the journal Nature.
