Sickle Cell Trait and Rhabdomyolysis

Sickle cell trait generally is a benign condition under normal physiological conditions, but it might predispose to exertional rhabdomyolysis — particularly with dehydration in hot weather. In this study, researchers determined risks for exertional rhabdomyolysis and death in a cohort of 48,000 active-duty black U.S. soldiers who had been tested for sickle cell trait. The prevalence of sickle cell trait in this cohort was 7.4%.

During 4 years (2011–2014), the incidence of exertional rhabdomyolysis was significantly higher in the sickle cell trait group than in the nontrait group (1.2% vs. 0.8%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.54; P=0.008). Other significant risk factors for exertional rhabdomyolysis were obesity (HR, 1.4), tobacco use (HR, 1.5), an…