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People with the heterozygous hemoglobin genotype AS have sickle cell trait. These persons are hematologically normal, with no anemia and normal RBCs on peripheral blood smear. A screening test for sickle hemoglobin will be positive, and Hemoglobin electrophoresis will reveal that approximately 40% of hemoglobin is hemoglobin S (Table 15–9). People with sickle cell trait experience more rhabdomyolysis during vigorous exercise but do not have increased mortality compared to the general population. They may be at increased risk for VTE. Chronic sickling of RBCs in the acidotic renal medulla results in microscopic and gross hematuria, hyposthenuria (poor urine concentrating ability), and possibly CKD. No treatment is necessary but genetic counseling is recommended.

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Ataga  KI  et al. The nephropathy of sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2022;18:361.
[PubMed: 35190716]  

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