If an athlete with sickle cell disease experiences chest or abdominal pain along with joint pain, they may be at risk for which complication?

• A. Compartment syndrome
• B. Rhabdomyolysis
• C. Dehydration
• D. Heat exhaustion

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is rhabdomyolysis, which is a serious condition that can occur when muscle fibers break down and release their contents into the bloodstream. In athletes with sickle cell disease, high-intensity exercise or situations that lead to reduced oxygen availability can trigger this breakdown. The symptoms mentioned in the question—chest or abdominal pain along with joint pain—can indicate that the body's tissues are suffering from insufficient oxygen supply, leading to muscle destruction.

Rhabdomyolysis is particularly concerning in individuals with sickle cell disease because their red blood cells can sickle under stress, leading to blockages in blood vessels and further reducing blood flow to muscles. This reduced flow can cause muscle necrosis and the subsequent release of myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney failure if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, conditions like compartment syndrome are related to elevated pressure within muscle compartments but do not specifically correlate with the combination of symptoms described. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are potential risks for any athlete, but they are not directly linked to the specific symptoms that suggest rhabdomyolysis in someone with sickle cell disease. Thus, recognizing the combination of chest pain, abdominal pain, and joint pain is crucial as it