Lung volumes and diffusion capacity in sickle cell trait

Patients with sickle cell anemia have a restrictive ventilatory pattern, with reduction in diffusion capacity of the lung (DLco) and lung volumes. Diffusion capacity and lung volumes are reported as either normal or reduced in subjects with sickle cell trait. Thirteen subjects with sickle cell trait, age range 25 to 79 years, were compared with 13 normal subjects matched for age, sex, height, and smoking patterns. There was no significant difference in mean values of DLco or lung volume for the two groups. Neither was there a consistent difference for age-matched individuals. Normal lung function in sickle cell trait as opposed to sickle cell disease is probably related to the fact that the former have fewer, if any, pulmonary infectious and infarctive episodes.