BOF: General (Haemoglobinopathy)

Sickle cell trait (HbAS) is thought to be a benign condition but there is evidence for association with a number of complications. Which ONE of the following complications has NOT shown any association with sickle cell trait?

a) Early fetal loss in pregnancy

b) Impaired urinary concentrating ability

c) Renal medullary cell carcinoma

d) Rhabdomyolysis

e) Splenic infarction

Answer

Early fetal loss in pregnancy

Explanation:

HbAS has shown convincing evidence associating it with haematuria, renal papillary necrosis, increased urinary tract infection frequently, renal medullary cell carcinoma, splenic infarct, rhabdomyolysis, sudden death at altitude and extreme physical exertion. The evidence for association with pregnancy complications and chest crisis is limited and it is not associated with typical sickle cell disease complications such as leg ulcer, stroke, priapism, cholelithiasis or retinopathy

References:

Tsaras G, Owusu-Ansah,Boateng F et al. Complications associated with sickle cell trait: a brief narrative review. American Journal of Medicine 2009;122(6):507-12.