Estimation of ferrokinetic parameters by a mathematical model in patients with primary acquired sideroblastic anaemia

Ferrokinetic parameters were estimated in eight patients with primary acquired sideroblastic anaemia (PASA) by means of a mathematical model of iron kinetics. Both plasma ⁵⁹Fe clearance and red cell utilization curves were used to identify the model parameters. The close agreement between experimental and theoretical data proved that the model can describe iron kinetics in sideroblastic anaemia. Ineffective erythropoiesis was found to be the major factor in the production of the anaemia. Various degrees and patterns of peripheral haemolysis were observed. The storage iron was always markedly increased and a large non-erythroid iron turnover was calculated in the most severely affected patients. The results are compared with present knowledge of erythropoiesis in PASA.