Sickle cell trait (SCT) is an inherited blood disorder. It affects 1 to 3 million Americans, according to the American Society of Hematology.
A person with SCT has inherited only one copy of the sickle cell gene from a parent. A person with SCD has two copies of the gene, one from each parent.
Because a person with SCT has only one copy of the gene, they will never develop SCD. Instead, they’re considered a carrier for the disease. That means they can pass the gene for the disease on to their children. Depending on the genetic makeup of each parent, any child can have varying chances of having SCT and developing SCD.
Sickle cell disease
SCD affects the red blood cells. People with SCD have hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells, that does not function properly. This impaired hemoglobin causes the red blood cells, which are normally flattened disks, to become crescent-shaped. The cells look like a sickle, a tool used in farming. That’s where the name comes from.
People with SCD typically also have a shortage of red blood cells. The red blood cells that are available can become inflexible and sticky, blocking the flow of blood through the body. This restriction in blood flow can cause:
- pain
- anemia
- blood clots
- low oxygen supply to tissues
- other disorders
- death
Sickle cell trait
On the other hand, sickle cell trait rarely leads to deformity in red blood cells, and only under certain conditions. Under most circumstances, people with SCT have enough normal hemoglobin to prevent the cells from becoming sickle-shaped. Without the sickling, red blood cells function as they should, transporting oxygen-rich blood to the tissues and organs in the body.
SCT can be passed on from parent to child. If both parents have sickle cell trait, they may have a child with the disease.
If
- a 50 percent chance that their child will have the trait
- a 25 percent chance their child will have SCD
- a 25 percent chance their child will have neither the trait nor the disease
If only
- a 50 percent chance that their child will have the trait
- a 50 percent chance that their child will not have it
Since SCD symptoms can start as early as
Unlike the more serious SCD, SCT generally causes no symptoms. Most people with the condition have no direct health consequences due to the disorder.
Some people with SCT can have blood in their urine. Because blood in the urine can be a sign of a serious condition, such as bladder cancer, it should be checked out by a medical professional.
Although it’s rare, people with SCT can develop symptoms of SCD under extreme conditions. These conditions include:
- an increased pressure in the atmosphere, such as with scuba diving
- low oxygen levels, which can occur while performing strenuous physical activity
- high altitudes
- dehydration
Athletes with SCT need to take precautions when performing. Staying hydrated is extremely important.
About
According to the
According to the American Society of Hematology, in the United States, the sickle cell trait appears most often in African American population, affecting 8 to 10 percent.
However,
Additionally, about 1 in 13
If you’re concerned that SCT may run in your family, your doctor or local health department can perform a simple blood test.
SCT is typically a fairly benign disorder. Under certain conditions, however, it can be harmful. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2016, army recruits with SCT who were put through rigorous physical training were shown to have no greater chances of dying than recruits who didn’t have the trait.
They were, however, much more likely to have a breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney damage. In these circumstances, alcohol may also have played a role.
In another study published in the
Furthermore, the lack of access to healthcare negatively impacts individuals with SCD, leading to shorter life expectancy.
When comparing financial support for cystic fibrosis, which affects about
Sickle cell trait is a common disorder, especially among Black people. It generally presents no problems unless the person faces extreme physical conditions. For this reason, and because of its high likelihood of being passed on, you should talk with your doctor about being tested and monitored for the condition if you’re at a higher risk for the disorder.
Those who are at increased risk include Black people and people of Hispanic, South Asian, Southern European, or Middle Eastern descent. Being monitored is especially important if you’re a known carrier and an athlete, or if you’re thinking of starting a family.