Acquired hypochromic and microcytic sideroblastic anaemia responsive to pyridoxine with low value of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin: a possible subgroup of idiopathic acquired sideroblastic anaemia (IASA)

Patients with idiopathic acquired sideroblastic anaemia (IASA) usually show macrocytic or normocytic anaemia and increased free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). The mean cell haemoglobin concentration is normal or slightly low. Here we report a pyridoxine-responsive IASA patient with microcytic and hypochromic anaemia and low FEL level; these features are usually seen in cases of hereditary sideroblastic anaemia. Microcytosis increased during therapy.
There may be a subgroup of IASA with microcytic and hypochromic anaemia, low normal FEP and some response to pyridoxine like hereditary sideroblastic anaemia.