Learn About Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
Pyruvate kinase deficiency is an inherited lack of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is used by red blood cells. Without this enzyme, red blood cells break down too easily, resulting in a low level of these cells (hemolytic anemia).
PK deficiency; PKD
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is passed down as an autosomal recessive trait. This means that a child must receive a non-working gene from each parent to develop the disorder.
There are many different types of enzyme-related defects of the red blood cell that can cause hemolytic anemia. PKD is the second most common cause, after glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
PKD is found in people of all ethnic backgrounds. But, certain populations, such as the Amish, are more likely to develop the condition.
Symptoms of PKD include:
- Low count of healthy red blood cells (anemia)
- Swelling of the spleen (splenomegaly)
- Yellow color of the skin, mucous membranes, or white part of the eyes (jaundice)
- Neurologic condition, called kernicterus, that affects the brain
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Pale skin (pallor)
- In infants, not gaining weight and growing as expected (failure to thrive)
- Gallstones, usually in the teens and older
People with severe anemia may need blood transfusions. Removing the spleen (splenectomy) may help reduce the destruction of red blood cells. But, this does not help in all cases. In newborns with a dangerous level of jaundice, the provider may recommend an exchange transfusion. This procedure involves slowly removing the infant's blood and replacing it with fresh donor blood or plasma.
Someone who had a splenectomy should receive the pneumococcal vaccine at recommended intervals. They also should receive preventive antibiotics until age 5.
Duke Children's Health Center Hematology/Oncology Clinic
I treat children with cancer and blood disorders, such as anemia and sickle cell disease. When families come in, there is understandably a huge amount of anxiety. I try to spend a lot of time with them and discuss what we know, what we need to find out, and how we plan to care for their children. My goal is to make it the least scary as possible for both the children and the parents/caregivers while providing the best care. Even in the setting of severe illness, interacting with children is uplifting and extremely rewarding. Children truly demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit. What I love most about my job is having relationships with children and seeing them grow; it is a wonderful experience. Dr. Rothman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. Her top areas of expertise are Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Congenital Hemolytic Anemia, and Splenectomy.
Children's Hospital Pediatric Associates, Inc
Rachael Grace is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Grace is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. Her top areas of expertise are Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Hemolytic Anemia, Splenectomy, and Gallbladder Removal.
Andreas Glenthoj practices in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mr. Glenthoj is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. His top areas of expertise are Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Splenectomy, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
More information and support for people with PKD condition and their families can be found at:
- National Library of Medicine - MedlinePlus -- medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/pyruvate-kinase-deficiency/
- National Organization for Rare Disorders -- rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pyruvate-kinase-deficiency/
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center -- rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7514/pyruvate-kinase-deficiency
The outcome varies. Some people have few or no symptoms. Others have severe symptoms. Treatment can usually make symptoms less severe.
Gallstones are a common problem. They are made of too much bilirubin, which is produced during hemolytic anemia. Severe pneumococcal disease is a possible complication after splenectomy.
See your provider if:
- You have jaundice or anemia.
- You have a family history of this disorder and are planning to have children. Genetic counseling can help you know how likely it will be that your child would have PKD. You can also learn about tests that check for genetic disorders, such as PKD, so that you can decide if you'd like to have these tests.
Summary: This cross-sectional prevalence assessment study involves a single blood draw in specific patient populations to assess for enzymatic and genomic evidence for acquired pyruvate kinase deficiency.
Published Date: December 31, 2023
Published By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Gallagher PG. Hemolytic anemias: red blood cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 147.
Remiker AS, Brandow AM. Enzymatic defects. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 512.