About Sickle Cell Trait
Sickle cell trait (SCT) is an inherited blood disorder where a person carries one copy of the sickle cell gene passed down from one parent along with a normal hemoglobin gene from the other parent. People with SCT typically do not experience any symptoms and lead normal lives. However, in certain situations that put stress on the body, such as intense exercise or low oxygen environments, individuals with SCT may develop more sickle-shaped red blood cells. This can lead to symptoms similar to those of sickle cell disease (SCD) or complications like rhabdomyolysis. SCT is different from sickle cell disease, where in sickle cell disease, a person has inherited two copies of the sickle cell gene and will develop the disease.
People with sickle cell trait can pass the sickle cell gene to their children. If both parents have a sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance (1 in 4 chance) that a child could inherit a sickle cell gene from both parents and have sickle cell disease. It is important for individuals with SCT to be aware of their condition and take necessary precautions when engaging in activities that may trigger symptoms and understand the inherited risks of SCD.
SCT is a genetic abnormality caused by inheriting one abnormal hemoglobin gene from one parent. The cause of SCT is related to the mutation in the β-globin subunit of adult hemoglobin. This mutation leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S, which can cause red blood cells to become sickle-shaped under certain conditions.
The risk for SCT is not modifiable (is something a person can’t change) because it is inherited. SCT may be passed down from parents to their children.
- If one parent has SCT, there is a 50% chance the SCT is passed on to a child. There is a 50% chance that SCT will not be passed on to a child.
- If both parents have SCT, there is also a 50% chance that SCT will be passed on to a child, 25% chance that SCT will not be passed on to a child, and a 25% chance the child will inherit two sickle cell genes and develop sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell trait is more common in certain ethnic groups, including:
- People of African descent, including African Americans
- Hispanics from Central and South America
- South Asians
- People of Mediterranean descent (southern Europe)
- People from Middle Eastern countries
People with SCT may consider genetic counseling before planning a pregnancy to understand the risk of passing on the trait to their children. If you have concerns about having SCT, it's best to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
SCT usually does not cause any symptoms.
However, in rare cases, a person with SCT may experience symptoms similar to those of sickle cell disease during times of intense physical stress. These symptoms can include pain and swelling in the hands and feet, frequent infections, chronic pain, and breathing difficulties, especially during times of stress. Triggers of sickle cell disease-like symptoms include high altitude, severe dehydration, or high intensity activity.
Some people with SCT may have blood in their urine. Blood in the urine in people with SCT could be a sign of a serious condition or rare complication of SCT and should be evaluated by a doctor.
If you have concerns about your symptoms or suspect you may have SCT, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
SCT is diagnosed with a blood test. The blood test detects the presence of the sickle hemoglobin gene.
If you have a family history of SCT or SCD and are planning to have children, genetic testing can provide information about the likelihood of your children having the condition.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or genetic counselor for accurate diagnosis and assessment of SCT. They can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your individual situation.
Sickle cell trait usually doesn’t require specific treatment. People with SCT can help reduce their chances of have a sickle cell episode, such as pain, by:
- Staying hydrated (drinking enough water)
- Avoiding situations of increased atmospheric pressure, such as scuba diving
- Avoiding high altitudes, such as mountain climbing or visiting places at high altitudes
- Avoiding extreme or very intensive exercise, such as boot camps or athletic competition training
For people with SCT who experience symptoms such as pain, the goal of treatment is to ease symptoms. This may include:
- Applying a warm towel to the affected part of the body
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs
- Drinking plenty of water
Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Although SCT typically does not require, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation and the potential for medication side effects.