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Published on: November 5, 2019
Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a sickle cell trait athlete: a case study
Brian D Shelmadine1, Austin Baltensperger, Ronald L Wilson
1Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, School of Education, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7304, USA
Abstract:
This case study reports the clinical details and pathologic mechanisms of a nonfatal case of rhabdomyolysis secondary to heat exhaustion and sickle cell trait (SCT) resulting in acute renal failure. A 19-year-old African American male college football player collapsed after running 5 intervals of 300 m during a preseason conditioning test. After 17 days of treatment, the athlete was released from the hospital to a short-term noncritical care facility for further treatment and dialysis. Scientific literature reports that at least 15 college football players with SCT have died as a result of a sickling crisis after intense physical exertion. This case study presents the clinical importance of prompt medical treatment and sustained low-efficiency dialysis in treating rhabdomyolysis and its sequelae after collapse in an SCT athlete.
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