Final answer:
Abrupt onset gross hematuria with a family history of sickle cell disease likely suggests a kidney issue related to sickle cell nephropathy or a sickle cell crisis involving the kidney, potentially leading to acute renal failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
An abrupt onset of gross hematuria in a patient with a family history of sickle cell disease suggests a potential kidney issue related to sickle cell nephropathy or, more acutely, sickle cell crisis involving the kidney. T
he abnormal hemoglobin S produced in sickle cell disease leads to red blood cells assuming a sickle or crescent shape, especially at low oxygen concentrations.
These sickled cells can obstruct capillaries, leading to hemolysis, where the debris of broken cells, particularly hemoglobin, can damage the kidney's tubules.
This could result in gross hematuria, where blood is visible in the urine, and signals the need for immediate medical evaluation.
Additionally, very severe crises in sickle cell disease can cause acute renal failure, which often necessitates immediate medical intervention.
In the context of sickle cell disease, it's important to perform tests such as urinalysis, which may show the presence of both red and white blood cells, or hemoglobinuria, which indicates the presence of free hemoglobin in the urine without red blood cells.
Tests revealing these findings could confirm the suspicion of sickle cell-related kidney complications.