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THE NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION (NATA)
“SICKLE CELL TRAIT AND THE ATHLETE” CONSENSUS STATEMENT
What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle cell trait is the inheritance of one gene for sickle hemoglobin and one for normal hemoglobin. During intense or extensive exertion, the sickle hemoglobin can change the shape of red blood cells from round to quarter-moon, or “sickle.” Exertional sickling can pose a grave risk for some athletes.
The sickle gene is common in people whose origin is from areas where malaria is widespread. Over the millennia, carrying one sickle gene fended off death from malaria, leaving one in 12 African-Americans with sickle cell trait. The sickle gene is also present in those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Caribbean and South and Central American ancestry, one reason for the required screening of all newborns in the United States.
The purpose of the consensus statement is to raise awareness of this condition and provide measures to reduce the risk of exertional collapse related to sickle cell trait. In the event of a sickling collapse, Athletic Department staff, coaches and medical staff should treat it as a medical emergency by doing the following:
· Check vital signs.
· Administer high-flow oxygen, if available, with a non-rebreather face mask.
· Cool the athlete, if necessary.
· If the athlete appears to have slowed mental responses, or as vital signs decline, call 911, attach an AED, start an IV, and get the athlete to the hospital fast.
· Tell the doctors to expect explosive rhabdomyolysis and grave metabolic complications.
· Proactively prepare by having an Emergency Action Plan and appropriate emergency equipment for all practices and competitions.
Knowledge of sickle cell trait status can be a gateway to education; recommendations offered to reduce the risk of collapse during sports and exercise.
Nichols College Sickle Cell Information:
Sickle Cell Protocol
Sickle Cell Testing Form
Helpful Links:
NCAA Sickle Cell Fact Sheet for Student-Athletes
NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Fact Sheet for Coaches
General NATA Sickle Cell Trait Fact Sheet
