In sideroblastic anemia due to lead poisoning, which iron studies pattern is typical?

In sideroblastic anemia due to lead poisoning, which iron studies pattern is typical?

• A. High ferritin with high transferrin saturation
• B. Low ferritin with high transferrin saturation
• C. Normal ferritin with high transferrin saturation
• D. High ferritin with low transferrin saturation

Answer: (A)

Lead blocks enzymes in heme synthesis, so iron cannot be properly incorporated into heme and instead accumulates in tissues and storage pools. This creates iron overload with elevated ferritin as iron is stored, and more circulating iron raises transferrin saturation. So the typical iron studies pattern is high ferritin paired with high transferrin saturation.

Lead blocks enzymes in heme synthesis, so iron cannot be properly incorporated into heme and instead accumulates in tissues and storage pools. This creates iron overload with elevated ferritin as iron is stored, and more circulating iron raises transferrin saturation. So the typical iron studies pattern is high ferritin paired with high transferrin saturation.