Sideroblastic Anemia Information

Sideroblastic Anemia characterized by the bone marrow's inability to manufacture normal red blood cells. Sideroblastic anemias are characterized by the presence of ring sideroblasts in the marrow. These cells are erythroid precursors that have accumulated abnormal amounts of mitochondrial iron. A variety of abnormalities of porphyrin metabolism in affected erythroid cells have been documented. Sideroblastic anemia is one of the principal types of iron-utilization anemia.

Sideroblastic Anemia symptoms

• fatigue
• dizziness
• general weakness
• difficulty breathing
• chest pains
• liver damage
• kidney failure

Patients with sideroblastic anemia may respond to pharmacologic doses of pyridoxine that are often given together with folic acid. Iron loading is common in the sideroblastic anemias and can be treated by phlebotomy when the anemia is mild or with Desferal when it is more severe.