sideroblastic anemia
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A type of refractory anemia (anemia that does not respond well to standard treatments) characterized by the presence of sideroblasts in the bone marrow. Sideroblasts are red blood cell precursors that have abnormal, pathological accumulations of iron in their mitochondria, which appear as granules surrounding the nucleus. This condition involves a defect in the body's ability to properly incorporate iron into hemoglobin, leading to ineffective red blood cell production and anemia.
Usage Examples
- The patient's fatigue and pallor were eventually diagnosed as being caused by sideroblastic anemia.
- A bone marrow biopsy is often required to confirm a diagnosis of sideroblastic anemia by identifying the presence of ring sideroblasts.
- Treatment for sideroblastic anemia depends on whether it is inherited or acquired.
Advanced Usage
- "Ring sideroblast": This is the specific, diagnostic cell seen under a microscope in the bone marrow of a patient with sideroblastic anemia. The iron-loaded mitochondria form a ring or partial ring around the nucleus of the developing red blood cell.
- The condition can be described as "refractory", meaning it is resistant to typical therapies like iron supplements or vitamins.
Variants and Related Words
- Sideroblast (noun): The abnormal red blood cell precursor that defines the condition.
- Sideroblastic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by sideroblasts. (e.g., disorder).
- Refractory anemia: A broader category of anemias that are difficult to treat, under which sideroblastic anemia is classified.
Synonyms
- Sideroblastic anaemia (British English spelling).
- Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (a more precise clinical term).
Different Meanings
This is a specific medical term with no other general meanings. It refers exclusively to the hematological disorder described.
Noun
- refractory anemia characterized by sideroblasts in the bone marrow