University of Utah
This study is testing whether high-dose Vitamin C is safe and well-tolerated in patients with two inherited red blood cell disorders - Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) and Class A Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PDA). Both conditions cause red blood cells to break down too quickly, leading to anemia and related complications. Our earlier research showed that a single oral dose of Vitamin C (250 mg, 500 mg, or 750 mg) reduced red blood cell breakdown by approximately 50% within one hour. This study builds on those findings by testing different doses and frequencies of Vitamin C to find the safest and most effective dosing schedule. Participants will take Vitamin C once, twice, or three times daily over a 3-week period, with careful monitoring of blood counts, red blood cell survival, iron levels, and any side effects. The study will first enroll 3 adult patients with PKD at Huntsman Cancer Institute. If the results are safe and promising, the study will be extended to patients with G6PDA deficiency, and eventually to children ages 4 and older at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. The goal is to establish a foundation for Vitamin C as a novel therapy to reduce anemia and red blood cell destruction in these rare inherited disorders.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) and Class A Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDA) are inherited red blood cell enzyme disorders characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia. Current treatment options are limited and do not fully address the underlying mechanisms of red blood cell destruction, iron overload, and oxidative stress. Our preliminary studies demonstrated that oral Vitamin C administration at doses of 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg reduced the rate of hemolysis by approximately 50% within one hour of administration, as measured by end-tidal carbon monoxide corrected for amb…
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) or Class A glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD A) as verified by genetic mutation documentation or enzymatic testing * 18 years of age or older * Able to take oral medications either by mouth or via gastrostomy tube * Willing and able to provide written informed consent prior to any study procedures * Heterozygous female carrier of G6PDA deficiency Exclusion Criteria: * Does not have an established diagnosis of Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) or Class A Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PDA) * U…
Oral pharmacological grade Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) administered at escalating doses and frequencies over a 3-week period. Three dose levels are evaluated: 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg, administered once daily (QD), twice daily (BID), or three times daily (TID) depending on the assigned arm. The maximum daily dose does not exceed 2,000 mg/day, consistent with the NIH-recommended maximum daily dose.