Our WHY in the Community

• Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) is a genetic condition; something a person is born with.
• It occurs when a person inherits one sickle hemoglobin gene (HbS) from one parent and one normal gene (HbA) from the other.
• This gene mutation affects how red blood cells respond under stress but often causes no symptoms under normal conditions.

So from birth, the person’s red blood cells carry the potential to sickle, but usually don’t; unless triggered by stress like low oxygen or dehydration.

Rhabdomyolysis is not genetic — it’s an acute medical condition that happens later in life, often due to:
• Intense physical exertion
• Trauma or injury
• Dehydration
• Heatstroke
• Drug reactions
• Or in people with SCT; when their red blood cells sickle and block blood flow to muscles

1. The person is born with the SCT gene (HbAS)
2. They participate in intense physical activity (e.g., military training, football practice)
3. This leads to low oxygen + high stress
4. Red blood cells sickle temporarily
5. Sickled cells block blood vessels in muscles
6. Muscle cells are starved of oxygen
7. Rhabdomyolysis begins — muscles break down
8. Toxic substances enter bloodstream → can cause kidney failure or death

SCT is the inherited condition. Rhabdomyolysis is the emergency that can happen when SCT is triggered.
 

Think of SCT as the match, and rhabdo as the fire that starts when the wrong conditions are present.

What Is Rhabdomyolysis? 

Rhabdomyolysis (often called "rhabdo") is a serious and sometimes fatal condition where muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases toxic substances (especially a protein called myoglobin) into the bloodstream.

This can lead to:

• Kidney failure
• Heart problems
• Sudden collapse or death

The Connection Between SCT, Oxygen Deprivation, and Rhabdomyolysis: 

1. Low Oxygen + SCT = Sickling

In people with Sickle Cell Trait, when oxygen levels drop (due to intense exercise, dehydration, heat, or altitude), red blood cells can sickle (change shape and become stiff).

2. Sickled Cells Block Blood Flow

Those sickled cells can block small blood vessels, especially in muscles that are working hard during physical activity.

3. Blocked Blood = Starved Muscle

• When oxygen and nutrients can't reach the muscles:
• Muscle cells begin to die.
• The body starts to break down the muscle tissue.
• That breakdown floods the bloodstream with toxic proteins and waste.

4. Toxic Proteins Damage Kidneys & Organs

The most dangerous byproduct is myoglobin, a muscle protein that:

• Clogs the kidneys
• Turns urine dark brown or cola-colored
• Can shut down kidney function
• Can lead to death if not treated quickly

Signs of Rhabdomyolysis:

• Extreme muscle pain or cramping (often in the legs or lower back)
• Dark, tea-colored urine
• Swelling of muscles
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness, collapse, or confusion

In SCT Individuals, Rhabdo Often Happens After:

• Football conditioning or all-out sprint drills
• Long-distance military runs or hikes
• Exercising in extreme heat or with dehydration
• Being told to “push through” cramps or fatigue

Prevention in SCT Advocacy:

Monitoring oxygen levels (SpO₂) with a pulse oximeter, staying hydrated, and resting often are all key tools to prevent rhabdomyolysis in individuals with Sickle Cell Trait.

Bottom Line:

Sickle Cell Trait + Oxygen Deprivation → Blocked Blood Flow → Muscle Damage → Rhabdomyolysis → Organ Failure