Which condition may lead to secondary thrombocytopenia?

Secondary thrombocytopenia refers to a condition where platelet levels are decreased due to underlying factors or diseases, rather than from a primary bone marrow disorder. Infections can lead to secondary thrombocytopenia through various mechanisms, such as the destruction of platelets by the immune system, consumption of platelets in response to infections, or suppression of platelet production in the bone marrow due to inflammatory cytokines.

Infections can induce a significant immune response, leading to thrombocytopenia. For instance, viral infections (like HIV and hepatitis) are known to affect platelet production and survival. Additionally, sepsis can cause thrombocytopenia through mechanisms such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where platelets are consumed excessively.

Other options do not typically lead to secondary thrombocytopenia. Hemophilia primarily affects the coagulation pathway and leads to bleeding tendencies rather than directly impacting platelet levels. Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an increase in red blood cells and usually presents with normal or elevated platelet counts. Sideroblastic anemia is primarily an issue of ineffective erythropoiesis and iron metabolism, which does not commonly result in thrombocytopenia. Thus, infections are the