What Is a Sickle Cell Disease Trait?
Sickle cell disease trait can predispose the carrier to developing sickle cell anemia. The condition primarily affects African-Americans; however, it is also found in Indian, South American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern people.
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Background
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Sickle cell trait occurs when there is one sickle cell gene present. According to the Howard University School of Medicine, sickle cell trait is not the disease state because complications are mild or uncommon.
Diagnosis
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Sickle cell trait is diagnosed through a simple blood test. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people in at-risk groups for developing the condition take the blood test.
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Complications
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Rare complications include severe pain, urinary tract infections and splenic infarction; complications are caused by decreased oxygen intake, dehydration, exertion, pressurized environments and high altitudes. In very rare occurrences, complications can cause instant death.
Pregnancy
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Women who have sickle cell trait generally have healthy pregnancies, but there is a risk that they will pass the gene on to their children. Sickle cell trait is a recessive gene, so both parents must posses the sickle cell trait to produce a child with sickle cell disease.
Considerations
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According to the Illinois Department of Health, one in 10 African-Americans possesses the sickle cell trait.
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