Which condition is indicated by the presence of antiplatelet antibodies?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

The presence of antiplatelet antibodies is indicative of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is an autoimmune condition characterized by a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) due to the body's immune system mistakenly targeting and destroying platelets. In this condition, antibodies are formed that specifically bind to platelets, leading to their removal from circulation by the spleen. This autoimmune destruction is a hallmark of ITP, and measuring these antiplatelet antibodies can be an essential aspect of diagnosing the condition.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not feature the presence of antiplatelet antibodies as a defining characteristic. Goodpasture's syndrome primarily involves antibodies against type IV collagen in the basement membranes of kidneys and lungs, leading to glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. Diffuse systemic scleroderma is associated with antibodies directed against specific nuclear antigens, including Scl-70, and is part of a broader spectrum of autoimmune processes affecting connective tissues. Celiac disease involves an immune response to gluten rather than an autoimmune attack on platelets. Thus, the key association of antiplatelet antibodies aligns specifically with ITP.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy