Which of the following are listed complications of sickle cell disease?

• A. Crises (pain)
• B. Infections
• C. Splenomegaly
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Sickle cell disease causes a range of complications due to vaso-occlusion, hemolysis, and impaired splenic function. Painful crises happen when sickled cells block small vessels, leading to intense, acute pain. Infections are more common because the spleen often becomes damaged early, causing functional asplenia and reduced ability to fight encapsulated bacteria. Splenomegaly can occur during splenic sequestration crises, where blood pools in the spleen, and may be seen in children before the spleen auto-involutes later in life. Since each of these—painful crises, infections, and splenomegaly—is a recognized complication, the option that includes all of them is the best choice.