Robinson J, Richardson M, Hickey J, James A, Pearce SH, Ball SG, Quinton R, Morris M, Miller M, Perros P. Patient knowledge of antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis.
Eur Thyroid J 2014;
3:245-51. [PMID:
25759801 PMCID:
PMC4311297 DOI:
10.1159/000367990]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Agranulocytosis is a serious side effect of antithyroid drugs.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the knowledge of patients and review the quality of information available on the internet.
METHODS
A questionnaire survey was performed for patients receiving antithyroid drugs. Patients attending endocrine clinics who were receiving antithyroid drug treatment (group A, n = 33) were interviewed. A further national cohort of patients (group B, n = 100) treated with antithyroid drugs, participated in an online survey.
RESULTS
60.9% of responders were not aware of the common symptoms of agranulocytosis. 18.6% had never received any information about side effects. Of the 108 patients who recalled receiving information, 30% rated the quality as 'poor' or 'not good at all'. Structured interviews of group A patients revealed that almost half (45.5%, 15/33) had experienced symptoms that could be indicative of agranulocytosis, but only 53.3% (8/15) had a blood count checked. A review of 20 selected patient information internet sites revealed a significant variation in advice given to patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Inadequate knowledge about agranulocytosis among patients receiving antithyroid drug treatment is common. The available information on the internet is variable and inconsistent.
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