Sickle Cell Trait and Rhabdomyolysis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Over 20,000 cadets have graduated from the USAF Academy since 1959. In that time period only three cadets have developed exertional rhabdomyolysis severe enough to cause renal failure. All three of these young men had sickle cell trait. The third and most recent case has remarkable similarities with the two cases previously reported. An important unanswered question is why other cadets with sickle cell trait have not experienced any illness after accomplishing the same training. Preceding viral illness with dehydration may have been a predisposing factor in the three cases at the USAF Academy.