Sudden Death in Sickle-Cell Trait

SICKLE-cell trait, a heterozygous state characterized by the presence of hemoglobin SA, is present in 7 to 9 per cent of American Negroes.1 Although the occurrence of spontaneous hematuria2 and renal3 and splenic infarction4 , 5 is well recognized, it is generally not appreciated that certain complications of sickle-cell trait may be fatal. In 1964 Schenk6 reviewed the deaths attributed to sickle-cell trait; only a few have been reported since that time.7 , 8 In this report we describe four eases of sudden death attributable to sickle-cell crisis and discuss the precipitating pathophysiology.Case ReportsBetween March, 1968, and February, 1969, four deaths occurred . . .