If you have been diagnosed with Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, or if your child  or a family member has been diagnosed with the disease, you probably have a lot of questions running through your head. What kind of disease is it? Will I or will my child be able to live a normal life? What precautions should I take? …

What is Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)?

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency or PKD is a hereditary disease caused by a lack of Pyruvate Kinase, an enzyme that plays an important role in the energy supply of the red blood cells. When there’s a shortage of the enzyme, the red blood cells won’t be able to produce enough energy and will break down faster. This shorter life duration of the red blood cells can lead to a chronic anemia.

Learn more about PKD:

• Basics about blood: what is the role of blood and specifically red blood cells?
• What is anemia: what are the different causes of anemia?
• What is Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency: what consequences does a lack of Pyruvate Kinase have?
• Diagnosis of PKD: how is PKD diagnosed?
• PKD explained for kids: how do you explain this disease to a kid?

Disclaimer: This article is written by patients and is meant for basic informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, substitute for a doctor's appointment or to be used for diagnosing or treating a disease. Users of this website are advised to consult with their physician before making any decisions concerning their health. For details see our full disclaimer.