The Condition"...Although some sideroblastic anemias are hereditary, most are acquired and are associated with drugs (alcohol, isoniazid, chloramphenicol, cytotoxic agents, and other Vit B6 antagonists), heavy metals (lead), and various hematologic, neoplastic and inflammatory diseases..."

Recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)"Treatment with oral pyridoxine usually benefits patients whose sideroblastic anemia was present at birth..."

refractory anemia characterized by sideroblasts in the bone marrow

A group of hematologic disorders which are characterized by normocytic or slightly macrocytic anemia, phycochromic and normochromic red blood cells, decreased erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis. The red blood cells contain a ring of iron stained granules. An acquired or hereditary blood disorder which may be primary or secondary to another disorder.

A group of anemias that are all characterized by the accumulation of iron deposits in the mitochondria of immature red blood cells. These abnormal red blood cells do not mature normally, and many are destroyed in the bone marrow before reaching the circulation. Sideroblastic anemias can be hereditary, idiopathic (unknown cause), or caused by such diverse factors as certain drugs, alcohol, or copper deficiency.

The Condition"Sideroblastic anemia is a term used to describe a group of rare blood disorders characterized by the bone marrow's inability to manufacture normal red blood cells..."

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).