Patient Knowledge Of Antithyroid Drug-Induced Agranulocytosis

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. (C) 2014 European Thyroid Association Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.