Sideroblastic anemias are iron-utilization anemias that are usually part of a myelodysplastic syndrome, causing a normocytic-normochromic anemia with high RBC distribution width or a microcytic-hypochromic anemia, particularly with increased serum iron and ferritin and transferrin saturation.

Sideroblastic anemias are among the anemias characterized by inadequate marrow utilization of iron for Hb synthesis despite the presence of adequate or increased amounts of iron (iron-utilization anemias). Other iron-utilization anemias include some hemoglobinopathies, primarily thalassemias (see Anemias Caused by Hemolysis: Thalassemias). Sideroblastic anemias are characterized by the presence of polychromatophilic, stippled, targeted RBCs (siderocytes). Sideroblastic anemias are generally part of a myelodysplastic syndrome but may be hereditary or may occur secondary to drugs (eg, chloramphenicolSome Trade Names
CHLOROMYCETIN
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, cycloserineSome Trade Names
SEROMYCIN
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, isoniazidSome Trade Names
INH
NYDRAZID
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, pyrazinamideSome Trade Names
No US trade name
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) or toxins (including ethanol and lead). Pyridoxine deficiency can lead to sideroblastic anemia. Deficient reticulocyte production, intramedullary death of RBCs, and bone marrow erythroid hyperplasia (and dysplasia) occur. Although hypochromic RBCs are produced, other RBCs may be large, producing normochromic indices; if so, variation in RBC size (dimorphism) usually produces a high RBC distribution width (RDW).

Sideroblastic anemia is suspected in patients with microcytic anemia or a high RDW anemia, particularly with increased serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation (see Anemias Caused by Deficient Erythropoiesis: Iron Deficiency Anemia). The peripheral smear shows RBC dimorphism. RBCs may appear stippled. Bone marrow examination is necessary and reveals erythroid hyperplasia. Iron staining reveals the pathognomonic iron-engorged paranuclear mitochondria in developing RBCs (ringed sideroblasts). Other features of myelodysplasia, such as chromosomal abnormalities, are frequently evident. Serum lead is measured if sideroblastic anemia has an unknown cause.

Ring Sideroblasts in Sideroblastic Anemia

Elimination of a toxin or drug (especially alcohol) can lead to recovery. Rarely, congenital cases respond to pyridoxine 50 mg po tid, but incompletely. Pyridoxine deficiency is corrected by vitamin B₆ supplementation.

Last full review/revision June 2008 by Alan E. Lichtin, MD

Content last modified February 2012