Dr. Capacchione Publishes Article on Genetic Causes for Complications in Patients with Sickle Cell Trait

John F. Capacchione, MD, University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Anesthesiology co-authored “Multifactorial Origin of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, Recurrent Hematuria, and Episodic Pain in a Service Member with Sickle Cell Trait” in Case Reports in Genetics.

Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) carriers are thought to be at risk for conditions that can also be caused by various other acquired and inherited factors. This study sought to determine the importance of conducting clinical and genetic evaluations to identify the underlying causes of health complications reported in individuals with SCT.

"This study is crucial because SCT has been identified as a risk factor for unexplained exertional rhabdomyolysis in athletes and warfighters. As a result, people with SCT have been singled out by the military and college athletics, restricting their training activities. Our investigation shows that there are other critical co-factors that may be responsible, and SCT alone should not be used to restrict training activities," said Dr. Capacchione.

Researchers concluded that both clinical history and genetics play a role in identifying the underlying causes of health complications reported in SCT individuals, and should both be evaluated when treating SCT patients.

Read the full article.