A recent study has advanced knowledge in the association between sickle cell trait (SCT) and venous thromboembolism, commonly known as VTE. Positioning against null hypotheses, a synergetic study from researchers at 23andMe, National Institutes of Health, and Johns Hopkins University gives fresh insight on parameters related to VTE in SCT individuals.
Key Findings
- Increased Risk Across All Ancestries: It was found in the study that SCT individuals carry a 45% increased risk of developing clots compared to SCT negative patients across all ancestry groups in genetic study.
- Comparison with Factor V Leiden: The scientists also investigated how SCT1 compares to factor V Leiden (FVL), another genetic risk factor for thrombotic events. They said that while for FVL carriers cumulative risk was considerably higher (3.3 times indeed) the risk with SCT still was present.
- Different Clot Patterns: Interestingly enough, it seems that empyema and pulmonary emboli occurred rather than deep vein thrombosis in patients with SCT, which was not the case in patients with FVL.
Why This Matters
Sickle cell trait (SCT) has always been regarded as primarily restricted to individuals of African ancestry. This has resulted in possible biases in provision of medical care and in health related studies. The new findings point that the risk of developing blood clots in people with SCT exists, despite their geographical lineage. This finding assists in alleviating racial stereotypes in the field of medicine and stresses that SCT should be looked for in all individuals, not in just African Americans.
About the Study
The research team utilized data from more than 4 million genome-wide linkage samples of the participants that are part of the 23andMe Research program. This large population based study allowed them to assess the risk among different ancestries living within and outside the continental US including European and African, Latino populations.
What This Means for You
Those who have the sickle cell trait must understand that there is an increased incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism among them. It is however to be acknowledged that although the risks are increased, there is still a good overall outlook of nil pose risk. Patients need to discuss with their health care providers enumerations of their risk factors and measures they can take to lower the risks.
For health care providers there is a reminder that all patients that present with the sickle cell trait are at a risk of developing blood clots irrespective of their race, ethnic background or type.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on how SCT contributes to increased risk of thrombosis. In the future, SCT studies may aid in improving prevention and treatment approaches for SCT patients. It also illustrates why large-scale population-based genetic studies are important in understanding these health risks for everyone in the population.
Again, what is to be recognized is that, when it comes to your health, knowledge is an invaluable asset. Awareness of risk factors and medical conditions such as genetic suspicions of SCT can aid closer collaboration with your medical providers in making healthcare decisions.
