Patient knowledge of antithyroid drug-induced agranulocytosis.

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

SUBMITTER: Robinson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4311297 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature