Death of an adolescent athlete with sickle cell trait caused by exertional heat stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of fatal rhabdomyolysis secondary to exertional heat stroke and the potential influence of sickle cell trait on the outcome of this case.

DESIGN

Descriptive case report.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care unit in an academic children's hospital. MAIN

RESULTS

A description of the presentation and clinical course of exertional heatstroke with rhabdomyolysis in an adolescent athlete. The implications of the patient's clinical course and a possible connection to sickle cell trait are also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Young athletes with sickle cell trait may be at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses and their complications. Epidemiologic studies are warranted to address this possibility.