Magdalena Bartnik

Dr. Magdalena Bartnik


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 December 2024 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MBMagdalena Bartnik
Magdalena Bartnik
WPWeronika Pawlik
Weronika Pawlik
BBBeata Burzyńska
Beata Burzyńska
KWKonrad Wasilewski
Konrad Wasilewski
EKElżbieta Kamieńska
Elżbieta Kamieńska
TUTomasz Urasiński
Tomasz Urasiński
Background: Hexokinase (HK) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessively inherited disease manifested by chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. Most patients present with a mild to severe course of the disease (fetal hydrocephalus, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, severe anemia). We reviewed 37 cases of patients with hexokinase deficiency described so far, focusing on the severity of the disease, clinical presentation, treatment applied, and genetic test results. Methods: We present a 10-year-old girl who initially presented with symptoms of weakness, excessive fatigue, and yellowing of the skin and sclerae. Genetic testing detected the (TA)7 variant in both alleles of the UGT1A1 gene and diagnosed Gilbert’s disease. In the follow-up, red cell hemolysis was observed. The diagnosis was extended, and tests for red cell enzymopathy were performed and a reduced level of hexokinase—0.65 IU/gHb (normal 0.78–1.57) was found. Next-generation sequencing revealed a new sense-change variant in exon 7 in the hexokinase gene not previously reported in databases. Results: Up to this date, only around 37 cases of hexokinase deficiency associated with hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia have been documented around the world. Diagnosing hexokinase deficiency involves clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and genetic analysis. Management focuses on treating symptoms and preventing complications; there is no cure for the underlying enzyme deficiency. In patients with severe anemia, the treatment is multiple blood transfusions followed by iron chelation therapy. Conclusions: Understanding and diagnosing hexokinase deficiency is critical for providing appropriate care and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.