Sideroblastic anemia

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Sideroblastic anemia
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 D64.0-D64.3
ICD-9 285.0
DiseasesDB 12110
MeSH D000756

Sideroblastic anemia is caused by the abnormal production of red blood cells, usually as part of myelodysplastic syndrome,[1] which can evolve into hematological malignancies (especially acute myelogenous leukemia). Thus, the body has iron available, but cannot incorporate it into hemoglobin.

"Sideroachrestic anemia" is sometimes used as a synonym for sideroblastic anemia.[2]

Contents

[edit] Classification

Sideroblastic anemia is typically divided into subtypes based on its cause.

  • Hereditary sideroblastic anemia may be X-linked[3] or autosomal.
  • Acquired, or secondary, sideroblastic anemia develops after birth and is divided according to its cause.

[edit] Causes

The common feature of these causes is a failure to completely form heme molecules, whose biosynthesis takes place partly in the mitochondrion. This leads to deposits of iron in the mitochondria that form a ring around the nucleus of the developing red blood cell. Sometimes the disorder represents a stage in evolution of a generalized bone marrow disorder that may ultimately terminate in acute leukemia.

[edit] Diagnosis

Ringed sideroblasts are seen in the bone marrow.

The anemia is moderate to severe and dimorphic with marked anisocytosis and poikilocytosis. Basophilic stippling is marked and target cells are common. Pappenheimer bodies are present. The MCV is decreased (ie. a microcytic anemia). The RDW is increased with the red blood cell histogram shifted to the left. Leukocytes and platelets are normal. Bone marrow shows erythroid hyperplasia with a maturation arrest.

In excess of 40% of the developing erythrocytes are ringed sideroblasts. Serum iron, percentage saturation and ferritin are increased. The TIBC is normal to decreased. Stainable marrow hemosiderin is increased.

[edit] Laboratory findings

[edit] Treatment

Occasionally, the anemia is so severe that support with transfusion is required. These patients usually do not respond to erythropoietin therapy.[4] 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.) In severe cases of SBA, bone marrow transplant is also an option with limited information about the success rate. Some cases are listed on MedLine and various other medical sites. In the case of isoniazid-induced sideroblastic anemia, the addition of B6 is sufficient to correct the anemia.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sideroblastic Anemias: Anemias Caused by Deficient Erythropoiesis: Merck Manual Professional. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  2. ^ a_37/12132489 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  3. ^ X-linked sideroblastic anemia - Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved on 2008-03-23.
  4. ^ "Sideroblastic Anemia" Tierney/McPhee/Papadakis Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 45th Ed. McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 0-07-145410-1.

[edit] External links