With inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, the underlying condition should be treated. In cases of extreme anemia, whole red blood cell transfusion may be required. 50 to 200mgs taken daily may reverse anemia. Cases of hereditary, acquired and idiopathic anemia have responded to pyridoxine therapy.
Iron overload accompanies sideroblastic anemia.
Desferal binds excess body iron and promotes excretion by the liver and kidneys in urine and bile in feces. A patient wears the pump 9-12 hours each day, usually at night while sleeping. The procedure is fairly expensive. Side effects can be varied including pain and swelling at injection site. Leukemia such as acute granulocytic leukemia can develop as a result of acquired sideroblastic anemia.