Sideroblastic anemia overview
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Sideroblastic anemia is caused by the abnormal production of red blood cells as part of myelodysplastic syndrome, which can evolve into hematological malignancies (especially acute myelogenous leukemia). Thus, the body has iron available, but cannot incorporate it into hemoglobin.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The anemia can be so severe that support with transfusion is required. These patients usually do not respond to erythropoietin therapy. Some cases have been reported that the anemia is reversed or heme level is improved through use of moderate to high doses of pyrodoxine (vitamin B6).
Surgery
In severe cases, bone marrow transplant is also an option with limited information about the success rate.