American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which mineral is primarily associated with the treatment of sideroblastic anemia?

1. Copper

2. Selenium

3. Chromium

4. Vitamin B6

The correct answer is: Vitamin B6

Sideroblastic anemia is characterized by the body's inability to properly incorporate iron into hemoglobin, leading to the production of ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow. A key aspect of its treatment is addressing any underlying deficiencies that may contribute to the disorder. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is essential in the synthesis of heme, the iron-containing component of hemoglobin. In cases of sideroblastic anemia, particularly those that are related to conditions such as hereditary factors or certain drug interactions, the administration of vitamin B6 can help improve hemoglobin production and alleviate the symptoms of the anemia. This is especially true when there is a deficiency of pyridoxine, which can impair the hemoglobin synthesis process, resulting in the ineffective erythropoiesis seen in this type of anemia. Other minerals listed, like copper, selenium, and chromium, do not have a direct role in hemoglobin synthesis or correction of anemia associated with defective iron incorporation; thus, they are not primary factors in the treatment of sideroblastic anemia.