Exercise and the Effects of Hydration on Blood Viscosity in Sickle Cell Trait Carriers: A Critically Appraised Topic

Abstract

Clinical Question: During bouts of exercises in a hypohydrated state, do patients with sickle cell trait compared with patients without sickle cell trait demonstrate higher blood viscosity? Clinical Bottom Line: There is evidence that there is a difference in hematocrit levels in patients with sickle cell trait and patients without sickle cell trait both pre- and postexercise with suboptimal hydration status. Moreover, the effects on hematocrit levels increase over baseline levels in the recovery stages postexercise in patients with sickle cell trait.