Abstract
Introduction: Sideroblastic anemia (SA), when defined 5 decades ago, was already recognized to occur in heterogeneous settings, including as familial or acquired disease. Since then, the perspective of SA has become considerably widened with respect to distinct clinical phenotypes and discrete causes as well. Presence of telltale ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow aspirate smear is the unique feature that is required for initial diagnosis and typifies the forms of SA.
Aim of work: This review discusses the most recent approach to sideroblastic anemia.
Methodology: We run a systematic search for Sideroblastic Anemia using PubMed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Google Scholar search engine (https://scholar.google.com). Relevant studies were retrieved and screened. Only full articles were included.
Conclusions: Despite the fact that SA is uncommon, it has to be considered in all patients with unexplained anemia of any severity. Detailed medical history, clinical examination, and basic laboratory data are corner stone to approach this disease. Suggestive clinical features includes a history of chronic anemia, family history of anemia, presence of neurologic abnormalities, myopathy, lactic acidosis. The principal treatments is directed towards correction of the identified reversible cause. Cases of XLSA with microcytic anemia, are effectively corrected with thiamin supplements. Other modalities of treatment comprise red cell transfusion for severe anemia, excess iron removal. Phlebotomy is recommended for mild anemia, while iron chelation is reserved for patients with severe/transfusion dependent anemia.