Newborns with sickle cell anemia may not exhibit symptoms for the first few months. Initial manifestations often include extreme fatigue or irritability resulting from anemia, painfully swollen hands and feet (dactylitis), and jaundice. Infants may also experience spleen damage, which compromises their immune system and heightens the risk of bacterial infections. As individuals with sickle cell anemia age, insufficient oxygen supply to organ tissues can lead to a variety of more serious medical complications, including significant bone complications like osteonecrosis.