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Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
Published on: March 14, 2017
Sickle cell considerations in athletes.
1OU Sooner Football, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. reichner1@comcast.net
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|June 11, 2011
Summary
Athletes with sickle cell trait (SCT) can experience exertional-sickling collapse. This review covers SCT-related conditions in athletes, focusing on prevention and management strategies for these serious health events.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Hematology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Sickle cell trait (SCT) affects millions globally, presenting unique risks for athletes.
- Exertional-sickling collapse is a serious, yet often overlooked, condition in athletes with SCT.
- Understanding SCT's impact on athletic performance and health is crucial for prevention and timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of exertional-sickling collapse syndrome in athletes with SCT.
- To discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic considerations for SCT-related emergencies.
- To outline evidence-based strategies for prevention and management of these conditions in athletic populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on sickle cell trait and exertional-sickling collapse.
- Analysis of recent research on microcirculatory changes associated with SCT during exertion.
- Synthesis of clinical guidelines and expert recommendations for athlete care.
Main Results:
- Exertional-sickling collapse is linked to sickling of red blood cells under stress, impacting microcirculation.
- Athletes with SCT face risks including lumbar myonecrosis, splenic infarction, hematuria, hyposthenuria, and venous thromboembolism.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Athletes with SCT require specific awareness and tailored management protocols to mitigate risks.
- Education for athletes, coaches, and medical staff is paramount for prevention and prompt response.
- Further research into microcirculatory alterations can refine understanding and treatment of SCT-related exertional syndromes.
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