Is there a test for ITPA?

[BeatTheBeast]

I just read that inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) deficiency is a clear risk factor for early onset of anemia during HCV treatment, necessitating that ribavirin be reduced or discontinued.

The article I read was dated June 2010 and said there is no test for ITPA but that there likely would be soon.

Does anyone know if a test has been developed or if there is any way to factor this variable in when choosing a treatment?

Thanks.

Beat the Beast

[merryBe]

the best way to avoid pernicious anemia is to have protein in your diet, but the anemia associated with hcv treatment is hemolytic anemia, not enough red cells, and this is because the riba is killing the red cells, it can kill the white cells and platelets can also drop.  The combo of riba?INF does a number on all blood components although hemoglobin is hit the hardest most often.

You do want to keep inosine in your diet, but you might be better to include proteins in the meals that don't include your riba.
You need protein also for B12 levels to be good, and you can't build new blood without that.
However, in early treatment riba has trouble getting to therapeutic levels, and so I have a thread on PURINES and riba absorption which explains how one might increase riba levels.
My though is to include proteins in 2 meals a day, but not the riba meal/snacks.
Just read the thread and all will become clearer.

mb

[nygirl7]

No most of us would not be concerned with such a thing as so I dont know if anyone has ever looked into such a thing. Seriously this would not be a major cause of concern for me if I was just starting out on treatment - there are other variables that are proven to be valuable but this wouldn't even be on my radar as an option.