cases

Recognised features of sickle cell trait include which of the following?
True / False

Haematuria
Increased risk of anaesthesia 
Moderate anaemia
Reduced renal concentrating ability in adolescence
Splenomegaly

Question: 69 of 100

Recognised features of sickle cell trait include which of the following?

             Haematuria            true
Increased risk of anaesthesia         true
 Moderate anaemia               false
Reduced renal concentrating ability in adolescence         true
Splenomegaly               false

Heterozygous expression of the sickle haemoglobin gene (Hb AS) is usually associated with a totally benign clinical course.

The haematological findings are indistinguishable from normal. About 40% of their haemoglobin consists of Hb S, and under normal circumstances this is insufficient to produce sickling.

Under severe hypoxic stress, vaso-occlusive complications may occur. This may occur under anaesthesia or at high altitudes. This may result in splenic infarcts and other ischaemic sequelae.

Decreased renal concentrating ability is usually present in older children and adults, and occasionally gross haematuria may occur due to papillary necrosis.

The diagnosis is confirmed by haemoglobin electrophoresis and sickle testing.