The high risk SS patient with a CAR chromosome or one who is homozygous Ben without alpha-thalassemia-2 should be monitored closely for evidence of vasculopathy-induced microinfarction of the brain, kidneys, or lungs.
Epidemiologic studies in Africa together with clinical correlative analysis in Southern California show that SS patients with a Ben haplotype have a less severe illness than those with a CAR and a more severe illness than those with a Sen. A single individual can be expected to fit into the overall pattern.