During exercise, sickling collapse in SCT typically occurs within the first 30 minutes, and core temperature is not greatly elevated. Which option best matches?

During exercise, sickling collapse in SCT typically occurs within the first 30 minutes, and core temperature is not greatly elevated. Which option best matches?

• A. Collapse occurs after several hours with high core temperature
• B. During exercise, sickling collapse typically occurs within the first 30 minutes, and core temperature is not greatly elevated
• C. Collapse never occurs
• D. Collapse occurs only during sleep

Answer: (C)

In sickle cell trait, exertional collapse is driven by exercise-induced sickling when muscles become hypoxic or acidic during intense activity. This can happen quickly, often within the first 30 minutes of exercise, and it does not require a markedly high core temperature. That combination—early onset during exertion with little heat stress—is what best describes the scenario. While rare, collapse can occur during strenuous activity; it is not accurate to say it never happens or that it only occurs during sleep.

In sickle cell trait, exertional collapse is driven by exercise-induced sickling when muscles become hypoxic or acidic during intense activity. This can happen quickly, often within the first 30 minutes of exercise, and it does not require a markedly high core temperature. That combination—early onset during exertion with little heat stress—is what best describes the scenario. While rare, collapse can occur during strenuous activity; it is not accurate to say it never happens or that it only occurs during sleep.