Sickle cell trait: forgotten cause of hematuria in white patients

Extensive evaluations for intermittent gross hematuria, including selective renal arteriograms, failed to reveal the etiology of bleeding in 2 whtie patients. Sickle cell preparation and hemoglobin electrophoresis, obtained as long shot tests, revealed sickle cell trait in both patients. Both patients were treated successfully with low doses of epsilon aminocaproic acid. Sickle cell prepration and hemoglobin electrophoresis should be included in the evaluation of every patient, white or black, with unexplained hematuria.