Fetal Hemoglobin Modulators May Be Associated With Symptomology of Football Players with Sickle Cell Trait.

Objectives: This study investigates whether genetic modifiers previously shown to influence adult fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency were associated with variable symptomology in a small sample of collegiate football players with sickle cell trait.

Methods: Survey data on self-assessed symptoms and genotype data from five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to HbF production and two SNPs that cause glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency were collected from current and former college football players.

Results: In this sample, SNPs found within the β-globin gene cluster were found to be associated with a previous diagnosis of exertional sickling and experience of extreme heat during and after training.

Utility of point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound in the evaluation of emergency department musculoskeletal pathology.

Background: To evaluate the utilization of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for the assessment of emergency department (ED) patients with musculoskeletal symptoms and the impact of musculoskeletal POCUS on medical decision-making and patient management in the ED.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of ED patients presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms who received a POCUS over a 3.5-year period.