Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

Introduction to Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

Sideroblastic anemia is a rare group of blood disorders characterized by the presence of ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. These are erythroid precursors with iron-laden mitochondria surrounding the nucleus. While more common in adults, sideroblastic anemia can occur in children, presenting unique diagnostic and management challenges.

Key points:

  • Incidence: Rare, exact prevalence in children unknown
  • Age of onset: Can occur at any age, including infancy
  • Gender distribution: X-linked forms predominantly affect males
  • Etiology: Can be inherited (genetic) or acquired

Pathophysiology of Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

The underlying mechanism of sideroblastic anemia involves defective heme synthesis or iron utilization in erythroid precursors, leading to mitochondrial iron accumulation.

Key aspects of pathophysiology:

  1. Defective heme synthesis:
    • Often due to enzymatic defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway
    • Most commonly affects the enzyme δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase 2 (ALAS2)
  2. Mitochondrial iron accumulation:
    • Results from impaired iron utilization for heme synthesis
    • Leads to formation of ring sideroblasts
  3. Ineffective erythropoiesis:
    • Abnormal erythroid precursors undergo apoptosis in the bone marrow
    • Results in anemia and potential iron overload
  4. Systemic iron overload:
    • Due to increased iron absorption and repeated transfusions
    • Can lead to organ damage over time


Sideroblast Formation. (source)

Classification of Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

Sideroblastic anemia can be classified based on etiology and inheritance patterns.

  1. Inherited Sideroblastic Anemia:
    • X-linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA):
      • Most common inherited form
      • Caused by mutations in the ALAS2 gene
    • Autosomal recessive forms:
      • SLC25A38-related sideroblastic anemia
      • GLRX5-related sideroblastic anemia
    • Mitochondrial DNA-related sideroblastic anemia:
      • Pearson marrow-pancreas syndrome
      • MLASA (Mitochondrial myopathy with lactic acidosis and sideroblastic anemia)
  2. Acquired Sideroblastic Anemia:
    • Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with ring sideroblasts
    • Drug-induced (e.g., isoniazid, chloramphenicol)
    • Copper deficiency
    • Lead poisoning
    • Alcohol abuse (rare in children)

Clinical Presentation of Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

The clinical manifestations of sideroblastic anemia in children can vary depending on the underlying cause, age of onset, and severity of the condition.

Common presenting features:

  • Anemia symptoms:
    • Pallor
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Shortness of breath
    • Poor feeding or failure to thrive in infants
  • Iron overload manifestations:
    • Hepatomegaly
    • Skin hyperpigmentation
    • Growth retardation
    • Endocrine dysfunction (in advanced cases)
  • Other features:
    • Jaundice (in hemolytic forms)
    • Splenomegaly
    • Developmental delays
    • Neurological symptoms (in some inherited forms)

Note: The clinical presentation can be highly variable. Some children may be asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally, while others may present with severe anemia or complications of iron overload.

Diagnosis of Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

Diagnosing sideroblastic anemia in children requires a combination of clinical suspicion, laboratory tests, and genetic studies.

Diagnostic approach:

  1. Clinical history and physical examination:
    • Assess for symptoms of anemia and iron overload
    • Family history (for inherited forms)
  2. Laboratory tests:
    • Complete blood count (CBC): Anemia, often microcytic
    • Peripheral blood smear: Dimorphic red cells, basophilic stippling
    • Reticulocyte count: Usually low or normal
    • Serum iron studies: Elevated serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation
    • Liver function tests
    • Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels (to rule out copper deficiency)
  3. Bone marrow examination:
    • Presence of ring sideroblasts (≥15% of erythroid precursors)
    • Perl's stain for iron


    4. Sideroblasts. (source)


  4. Genetic testing:
    • ALAS2 gene sequencing for X-linked sideroblastic anemia
    • Panel testing for other known genetic causes
    • Mitochondrial DNA analysis in suspected mitochondrial disorders
  5. Additional tests:
    • Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (elevated in XLSA)
    • Hemoglobin electrophoresis (to rule out thalassemias)
    • Lead levels (if lead poisoning suspected)

Differential diagnosis: Consider other causes of microcytic anemia and iron overload, including:

  • Thalassemias
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Anemia of chronic disease
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias

Treatment of Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

Management of sideroblastic anemia in children is primarily supportive and aimed at addressing the underlying cause when possible. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and the specific type of sideroblastic anemia.

Treatment options:

  1. Supportive care:
    • Red blood cell transfusions: For symptomatic anemia
    • Iron chelation therapy: For transfusion-dependent patients or those with iron overload
    • Folic acid supplementation: To support erythropoiesis
  2. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) therapy:
    • Effective in some cases of XLSA and other pyridoxine-responsive forms
    • Typical dose: 50-200 mg/day
    • Response should be evaluated after 1-3 months
  3. Specific treatments:
    • Copper supplementation: For copper deficiency-induced sideroblastic anemia
    • Discontinuation of offending drugs: In drug-induced cases
    • Chelation therapy: For lead poisoning
  4. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT):
    • Potentially curative option for severe congenital sideroblastic anemias
    • Considered in transfusion-dependent cases or those with severe iron overload
    • Risk-benefit ratio must be carefully evaluated
  5. Management of iron overload:
    • Iron chelation therapy (e.g., deferasirox, deferoxamine)
    • Regular monitoring of iron stores (ferritin, liver iron concentration)
    • Cardiac and endocrine evaluations
  6. Emerging therapies:
    • Gene therapy approaches (in research phase)
    • Novel agents targeting heme biosynthesis pathway

Monitoring: Regular follow-up is essential to assess treatment response, monitor for complications, and adjust therapy as needed. This includes:

  • Regular blood counts and iron studies
  • Assessment of growth and development
  • Monitoring for complications of iron overload
  • Genetic counseling for families with inherited forms

Prognosis of Sideroblastic Anemia in Children

The prognosis of sideroblastic anemia in children varies widely depending on the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and response to treatment.

Factors influencing prognosis:

  • Type of sideroblastic anemia: Inherited forms generally have a chronic course, while acquired forms may be reversible
  • Age at diagnosis: Earlier diagnosis and treatment may lead to better long-term outcomes
  • Response to pyridoxine: Pyridoxine-responsive cases generally have a better prognosis
  • Transfusion dependence: Impacts long-term complications and quality of life
  • Iron overload: Severity and management of iron overload significantly affect long-term outcomes
  • Access to treatment: Availability of supportive care and advanced therapies like HSCT

Long-term outcomes:

  • Pyridoxine-responsive cases may achieve good control with lifelong therapy
  • Transfusion-dependent cases face challenges related to chronic anemia and iron overload
  • HSCT offers potential cure but carries significant risks
  • Some forms (e.g., Pearson syndrome) may have additional systemic complications affecting prognosis
  • Regular monitoring and management of iron overload is crucial for long-term survival and quality of life

Follow-up and transition of care: As pediatric patients with sideroblastic anemia transition to adulthood, careful planning and coordination between pediatric and adult hematology teams is essential to ensure continuity of care.



Sideroblastic Anemia in Children: Objective Q&A
  1. What is sideroblastic anemia?
    Sideroblastic anemia is a group of rare blood disorders characterized by the inability to properly use iron in the production of hemoglobin, resulting in anemia and iron overload.
  2. What are the main types of sideroblastic anemia in children?
    The main types are inherited (congenital) sideroblastic anemia and acquired sideroblastic anemia.
  3. What causes inherited sideroblastic anemia?
    Inherited sideroblastic anemia is caused by genetic mutations affecting heme synthesis or mitochondrial function.
  4. What is the most common inherited form of sideroblastic anemia?
    X-linked sideroblastic anemia, caused by mutations in the ALAS2 gene, is the most common inherited form.
  5. How is X-linked sideroblastic anemia inherited?
    X-linked sideroblastic anemia is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, primarily affecting males and being carried by females.
  6. What are the typical symptoms of sideroblastic anemia in children?
    Symptoms may include fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and in some cases, enlarged liver and spleen due to iron overload.
  7. How is sideroblastic anemia diagnosed in children?
    Diagnosis involves blood tests, bone marrow examination showing ringed sideroblasts, and genetic testing to identify specific mutations.
  8. What are ringed sideroblasts?
    Ringed sideroblasts are erythrocyte precursors with iron-laden mitochondria surrounding the nucleus, visible under microscopic examination of bone marrow.
  9. At what age are children typically diagnosed with inherited sideroblastic anemia?
    Inherited forms can be diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, but milder cases may not be identified until later in life.
  10. How is sideroblastic anemia treated in children?
    Treatment may include pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation, red blood cell transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and in some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
  11. Why is pyridoxine (vitamin B6) used in the treatment of some forms of sideroblastic anemia?
    Some forms of sideroblastic anemia, particularly those caused by ALAS2 mutations, may respond to high doses of pyridoxine, which is a cofactor in heme synthesis.
  12. What is the role of iron chelation therapy in sideroblastic anemia?
    Iron chelation therapy is used to remove excess iron from the body, preventing complications of iron overload such as organ damage.
  13. Can children with sideroblastic anemia develop iron overload even without transfusions?
    Yes, children with sideroblastic anemia can develop iron overload due to increased iron absorption, even without receiving regular transfusions.
  14. What are the potential complications of untreated sideroblastic anemia in children?
    Potential complications include growth delay, organ damage due to iron overload (particularly in the heart and liver), and increased susceptibility to infections.
  15. How does sideroblastic anemia affect a child's growth and development?
    Severe anemia and iron overload can potentially affect growth and development, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and proper management.
  16. What is the long-term outlook for children with sideroblastic anemia?
    The outlook varies depending on the specific type and severity. With proper management, many children can lead relatively normal lives, but lifelong monitoring and treatment are often necessary.
  17. Are there any dietary restrictions for children with sideroblastic anemia?
    While iron-rich foods are not typically restricted, iron supplementation should be avoided unless specifically prescribed. A balanced diet is important for overall health.
  18. How often should children with sideroblastic anemia have check-ups?
    Regular check-ups, typically every 3-6 months, are necessary to monitor anemia, iron levels, and organ function. The frequency may vary based on disease severity and treatment response.
  19. Can sideroblastic anemia be cured?
    While some forms can be effectively managed, most inherited forms of sideroblastic anemia cannot be cured. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be curative in severe cases.
  20. What is the role of genetic counseling in families affected by inherited sideroblastic anemia?
    Genetic counseling can help families understand the inheritance pattern, assess risks for future pregnancies, and make informed decisions about family planning.
  21. How does sideroblastic anemia affect physical activities and sports participation in children?
    The level of physical activity should be based on the child's symptoms and hemoglobin levels. Mild to moderate activity is often encouraged, but strenuous activities may need to be limited.
  22. What is the difference between sideroblastic anemia and iron deficiency anemia?
    In sideroblastic anemia, there's typically an excess of iron that can't be used effectively, while in iron deficiency anemia, there's a lack of iron available for hemoglobin production.
  23. Are there any experimental treatments being researched for sideroblastic anemia?
    Research is ongoing, including gene therapy approaches for certain inherited forms and new iron chelation methods to improve management of iron overload.
  24. How does sideroblastic anemia affect the immune system in children?
    Severe anemia and iron overload can potentially impact immune function, making some children more susceptible to infections.
  25. What psychological support might be beneficial for children with sideroblastic anemia?
    Counseling, support groups, and education about the condition can help children and families cope with the challenges of living with a chronic condition.
  26. How does pregnancy affect women with sideroblastic anemia?
    Pregnancy can exacerbate anemia and increase iron overload risk. Close monitoring and adjusted treatment plans are necessary during pregnancy.
  27. What is the importance of compliance with iron chelation therapy in sideroblastic anemia?
    Consistent adherence to iron chelation therapy is crucial to prevent complications of iron overload, which can lead to organ damage if left untreated.
  28. Can children with sideroblastic anemia receive routine vaccinations?
    Yes, routine vaccinations are generally safe and recommended. In fact, they're especially important due to the potential increased risk of infections in some patients.
  29. How does sideroblastic anemia affect cognitive development in children?
    Severe, untreated anemia could potentially impact cognitive development. Early diagnosis and proper management are important to minimize these risks.
  30. What is the role of folic acid supplementation in sideroblastic anemia?
    Folic acid supplementation may be recommended in some cases, as it's important for red blood cell production. However, it should be used under medical supervision.


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