ACSM and CHAMP summit on SCT: Mitigating risks for warfighters and athletes

INTRODUCTION: An estimated 300 million people worldwide have sickle cell trait (SCT). Although largely benign, SCT has been associated with exertional rhabdomyolysis and exercise-related sudden death in warfighters/athletes (WA). The NCAA's policy to confirm a student-athlete's SCT status during their preparticipation medical examination prompted reaction from some organizations regarding the rationale and ethical justification of the policy. METHODS: On 26 and 27 September 2011, a summit, comprised of military and civilian experts in sports medicine and SCT, was convened at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. The expert panel was charged with two objectives: 1) provide specific recommendations to further mitigate the apparent risk with strenuous exercise in WA with SCT and 2) develop clinical guidelines to identify, treat and return to duty/play WA suspected to have incurred non-fatal sickle cell collapse. RESULTS: New terminology is introduced, areas of current controversy are explored, consensus recommendations for mitigating risk and managing the WA with SCT are reviewed, and important areas for future research are identified. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed before conclusions can be drawn regarding the etiology of the increased death rate observed in WA with SCT and the possibility exists that SCT is a surrogate for as yet another contributing factor for the unexplained deaths. Language: en