Sideroblastic Anemia - Course and Prognosis

Course and Prognosis

Sideroblastic anemias are often described as responsive or non responsive in terms of increased Hb level to pharmacological doses of vitamin B₆.

1- Hereditary-80% are responsive, though the hematology does not revert completely to normal.

2- Primary acquired-40% are responsive, but the response may be slight and is usually suboptimal.

3- Secondary-60% are responsive, the response also depending on the effectiveness of the treatment of associated conditions.

Severe refractory sideroblastic anemias requiring regular transfusions and/or leukemic transformation (5-10%) significantly reduce life expectancy.