Pyruvate kinase deficiency

Treatment:

Blood transfusions may be needed for severe anemia. Removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may help to reduce the destruction of red blood cells. In newborns with dangerous levels of jaundice, an exchange transfusion may be recommended.

If a splenectomy was done, the person should receive pneumococcal vaccine at recommended intervals.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. Some people have few or no symptoms, others have severe symptoms. Treatment is usually successful in reducing the severity of symptoms.

Complications:

Severe pneumococcal disease following splenectomy is a possible complication.

Calling your health care provider:

Call you health care provider ANY time that jaundice develops.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a family history of this disorder and you plan to have children.