What is the most common manifestation of sickle cell disease?

The most common manifestation of sickle cell disease is pain, often referred to as a "sickle cell crisis" or vaso-occlusive crisis. This pain results from the sickling of red blood cells, which can lead to blockages in small blood vessels, causing ischemia and pain in affected areas. The pain episodes can vary in intensity and duration, and they may occur spontaneously or be triggered by various factors, such as dehydration, infection, or temperature changes.

In contrast, the other manifestations listed, while relevant to sickle cell disease, are less common. Splenic sequestration occurs when sickled cells obstruct blood flow in the spleen, leading to an acute enlargement and potential splenic rupture, but it is a specific and less frequent complication. Aplastic crisis usually refers to a temporary halt in red blood cell production, often triggered by infections like parvovirus B19, and it does not occur as frequently as pain crises. Right upper quadrant syndrome can occur as a result of complications from sickle cell disease, particularly involving the liver and biliary tract, but again, these episodes are much rarer compared to the widespread occurrence of pain crises among affected individuals.

Thus, recognizing pain as the primary and most common manifestation of sickle