Thrombocytopenia due to increased platelet destruction is seen in the following condition:
**Core Concept**
Thrombocytopenia due to increased platelet destruction is characterized by a decrease in platelet count due to excessive platelet activation, aggregation, and clearance from the circulation. This condition is often associated with immune-mediated mechanisms, where autoantibodies or alloantibodies target platelet antigens, marking them for destruction.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)**, also known as Immune Thrombocytopenia. In ITP, autoantibodies against platelet glycoproteins (GP) IIb/IIIa or GPIb/IX are produced, leading to platelet activation, aggregation, and subsequent destruction by splenic macrophages. The increased clearance of platelets from the circulation results in thrombocytopenia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure, and neurological symptoms, but it is primarily due to a deficiency of ADAMTS13, an enzyme that cleaves von Willebrand factor, leading to platelet activation and thrombosis.
**Option B:** Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a condition characterized by both thrombosis and bleeding, resulting from the consumption of clotting factors and platelets. While platelet destruction does occur in DIC, it is not the primary mechanism.
**Option C:** Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is similar to TTP but is primarily caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection, leading to endothelial damage and platelet activation.
**Option D:** Sepsis can cause thrombocytopenia due to endothelial damage, inflammation, and consumption of platelets, but it is not primarily due to increased platelet destruction.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the "5 Ps" of ITP: Petechiae, Purpura, Platelet count < 100,000/μL, Positive direct Coombs test, and Primary immune-mediated mechanism.
**Correct Answer:** C.