| A non-syndromic, microcytic/hypochromic sideroblastic anemia, present from early infancy and characterized by severe microcytic anemia, which is not pyridoxine responsive, and increased serum ferritin. To date, fewer than 30 unrelated genetically characterized individuals have been reported. Clinical features are those of anemia and iron overload and include pallor, fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, splenomegaly, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance and skin hyperpigmentation. Patients need blood transfusions to survive and do not respond to treatment with pyridoxine. Caused by a homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in the SLC25A38 gene located on chromosome 3p22.1. The SLC25A38 gene mutation is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. |
