Complications Associated with Sickle Cell Trait

Hematology PGY3 PGY4

We usually believe that pt with sickle cell trait is not as important as SCD(HbSS). In sickle cell trait, RBC has normal life span (120 vs 20) and no vaso-oclusive crisis. But article in the American Journal of Medicine, discussed a series of serious complication that can affect this type of patient ranging from hematuria, renal papillary necrosis,

hyposthenuria, splenic infarction, exertional rhabdomyolysis, and exercise-related sudden death. also  associated with complicated hyphema, venous thromboembolic events, fetal loss, neonatal deaths, and preeclampsia, and possibly associated with acute chest syndrome, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and anemia in pregnancy.

Link To PubMed