Medical Stories - PKD: Chris' Story

Chris, a young cattle rancher in Utah, was diagnosed with a rare genetic blood disorder with less than 50,000 diagnosed cases in the United States. Pyruvate kinase deficiency, or PKD, is characterized by low levels of a crucial enzyme for healthy red blood cells. One of the most common complications of PK deficiency is iron overload, a devastating buildup of iron in vital organs, leading to multiple organ failure and death. Risking multiple organ failure was not an option for this family when their baby boy fell ill. In this episode of Medical stories, watch this remarkable story of a resilient family's fight to save their child's life. Featuring renowned expert: Dr. Rachael Grace, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and look for Medical Stories on your Public Television station. Check your local PBS listings today! Or visit https://medicalstories.tv/ to learn more about this very popular documentary series. Follow us on Facebook:   / medicalstories.pubtv.pbs   Check us out on Instagram:   / medicalstories_pubtv_pbs   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:    / @medicalstories   #MedicalStories #medstoriestv #rarediseases Chapters: 0:00 Chris' Story 0:55 Chris’ Birth & NICU Challenges 1:39 What Is PK Deficiency? 2:42 Early Symptoms & Blood Transfusions 3:17 Genetic Diagnosis & Understanding PK Deficiency 4:27 Treatments: Transfusions & Splenectomy 5:26 Gallbladder Complications & Advocacy 6:34 Iron Overload & Chelation Therapy 9:07 Coping, Mental Health, & Support System 10:22 Clinical Research, Hope, & Living a Full Life