Key result
Sickle cell trait is not linked to higher mortality or cardiopulmonary events versus matched controls.
Why the study?
Unlike sickle cell disease, the long-term impact of sickle cell trait on cardiovascular and pulmonary health remains poorly defined despite recent data suggesting increased vascular susceptibility.
Does sickle cell trait increase the risk of mortality and major cardiopulmonary events in adults?
Population
2,637 adults aged 18 years and older with SCT and 2,637 matched controls
Comparison
Sickle cell trait confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis vs matched controls
Design
Retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors
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SCT shows no mortality benefit; leaves open whether it modifies cardiopulmonary risk in this population.
Cohort (n=5,274)
Yes
Does sickle cell trait increase the risk of mortality and major cardiopulmonary events in adults?
Effect estimate: HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.70-1.11)
In a large real-world cohort, sickle cell trait was not associated with increased cardiopulmonary morbidity or mortality, reinforcing its largely benign nature despite higher healthcare utilization.
Chaaban et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Sickle cell trait (n=5,274). Sickle cell trait vs. Propensity-matched controls was evaluated on All-cause mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.70-1.11). Adults with sickle cell trait had no significant difference in all-cause mortality (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.70-1.11) or cardiopulmonary outcomes compared with propensity-matched controls.
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