A child was referred with complaints of joint pains, a history of jaundice, and normocytic anemia. What is the likely diagnosis? Identify the complications that occur with the boy's manifestations.

The likely diagnosis for this child is sickle cell disease.

Complications that can occur with the manifestations of joint pains, history of jaundice, and normocytic anemia in sickle cell disease include:

1. Acute pain crisis: Sickle cell disease can cause episodes of severe pain in the joints, bones, and muscles, known as pain crises. These can be triggered by factors such as infection, dehydration, or stress.

2. Acute chest syndrome: This is a serious complication of sickle cell disease that can occur when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood vessels in the lungs, leading to chest pain, difficulty breathing, and potentially life-threatening complications.

3. Aplastic crisis: In some cases, sickle cell disease can cause a sudden drop in red blood cell production, leading to severe anemia and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pallor.

4. Gallstones: The breakdown of red blood cells in sickle cell disease can lead to an increased risk of developing gallstones, which can cause abdominal pain, jaundice, and other complications.

5. Osteonecrosis: Sickle cell disease can cause reduced blood flow to the bones, leading to a condition called osteonecrosis, which can cause joint pain and damage.

6. Stroke: Children with sickle cell disease are at an increased risk of having a stroke, due to the blockage of blood vessels by sickle-shaped red blood cells. This can lead to neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.

Likely Diagnosis: Thalassemia

Complications Associated with Thalassemia:

- Splenomegaly: Enlarged spleen due to increased red blood cell destruction
- Hepatomegaly: Enlarged liver due to extramedullary hematopoiesis (production of red blood cells outside the bone marrow)
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup from the breakdown of red blood cells
- Deformities: Bone deformities due to enlarged bone marrow cavities
- Cardiac complications: Heart failure due to iron overload
- Endocrine problems: Hypothyroidism or diabetes due to iron overload affecting hormone production
- Growth retardation: Poor growth due to iron overload and other metabolic disturbances
- Cognitive impairment: Developmental delays and learning difficulties due to iron overload in the brain
- Bone marrow failure: Severe anemia due to the inability of the bone marrow to produce enough red blood cells
- Portal hypertension: Increased pressure in the veins of the liver due to splenomegaly
- Esophageal varices: Enlarged and weakened veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause bleeding
- Peptic ulcer disease: Stomach and intestinal ulcers due to iron overload and inflammation