What are the healthcare implications of sickle cell trait?

Sickle cell disease is now understood as a disease of inflammation in addition to abnormal red blood cells. It is likely persons with sickle cell trait are also negatively affected by the damage caused by inflammation. There is a significant racial disparity in hypertension, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. It remains unclear the degree to which sickle cell trait contributes to this disparity. It also remains unclear... more »