How can you tell if sideroblastic anemia requires transfusions?

Lab results: If the patient has severe anemia on lab tests or if the anemia is signifcant and causing symptoms to the patient such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. Then blood transfusions are indicated.

Symptoms or labs: Typically, in younger children, we follow labs regularly to determine how often their hemoglobin is low. At times there is a regular pattern, but this often changes during the course of childhood. Older kids and adults can use symptoms as a guide. Symptoms typically include headache, fatigue.