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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Effects Of Sickle Cell Trait?

Hello, my sister has sickle cell trait. She is 61 years old and lives in Denver, CO. She was hospitalized last night after her 911 call. Her systems were chest pains, pain in her legs and arms, fatigue, shortness of breath, but no fever. A chest x-ray shows fluid in her lung/lungs. This is the only test result that I have at this time. Her doctors ordered a echo cardiogram and a hematologist will make a visit at some time today. My question to you is it common for someone with sickle cell trait to have a crises like this.
posted on Fri, 2 May 2014
Twitter Tue, 10 Mar 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 10 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello. Welcome To HCM.

I am Dr Jigar. I undrstand your concern and will try to solve your query.

No if it is a sickle cell trait then it is not common to develop such sickle crisis.

Detailed answer.

Sickle cell train means a person is having sickle cell gene and one normal gene for synthesis of hemoglobin. Due to presence of normal copy of gene these persons have enough amount of normal hemoglobin which does its function properly and person will not have any symptoms.

There are some research data available that trait person may have crisis in certain conditions like dehydration, strenuous exercise or high altitude. As this have not been consistently seen my advice in your case is to wait for hematologist's report to confirm it.

I hope i have justifiably answered your problem. Please give your valuable feedback.

Regards.
Dr Jigar.
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What Are The Effects Of Sickle Cell Trait?

Hello. Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Jigar. I undrstand your concern and will try to solve your query. No if it is a sickle cell trait then it is not common to develop such sickle crisis. Detailed answer. Sickle cell train means a person is having sickle cell gene and one normal gene for synthesis of hemoglobin. Due to presence of normal copy of gene these persons have enough amount of normal hemoglobin which does its function properly and person will not have any symptoms. There are some research data available that trait person may have crisis in certain conditions like dehydration, strenuous exercise or high altitude. As this have not been consistently seen my advice in your case is to wait for hematologist s report to confirm it. I hope i have justifiably answered your problem. Please give your valuable feedback. Regards. Dr Jigar.