The Not-So Benign Sickle Cell Trait: Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, Hyposthenuria, and Acute Kidney Injury

Ashley C. Vincent*, Irmina Swiostek and Rehaan Shaffie

Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, United States Department of Internal Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, United States

^*Correspondance to: Ashley C. Vincent 

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Abstract:

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is largely understood to be a clinically silent disease that typically does not require intensive clinical monitoring or counselling of patients. In fact, many patients with SCT are unaware that they have this genetic condition. However, as more studies, case reports, and reviews are published, the understanding of severe clinical pathology that can be associated with SCT, and the need for further counselling and education for our patients increases. We present the case of a baseline healthy young male, who was admitted to the hospital with severe rhabdomyolysis, acute liver injury, extreme electrolyte disturbances, and renal failure necessitating emergent hemodialysis. An otherwise healthy athlete with minimal risk factors other than a precipitating physical competition the week prior, the gravity of his presentation led our team to question why he had such a severe presentation. Further work up revealed sickle cell trait (SCT). SCT has been linked to increased risk of exertional rhabdomyolysis, which causes muscle damage via microvascular occlusion as well as tissue ischemia caused endothelial damage [1,2]. The previously mentioned predisposes to a decreased ability to concentrate urine in those with sickle cell trait and further increases the risk for dehydration and more serious clinical presentations [3-5]. The potential links between SCT and exertional rhabdomyolysis support the hypothesis that SCT is not a clinically silent condition.

Keywords:

Acute Kidney Injury

Cite the Article:

Vincent AC, Swiostek I, Shaffie R. The Not-So Benign Sickle Cell Trait: Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, Hyposthenuria, and Acute Kidney Injury. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2025; 10: 2723..