Physicians' and Patients' Perceptions and Practices Concerning Antithyroid Drug-Induced Agranulocytosis

Abstract

Objectives We aimed to ascertain physicians' attitudes and practices and evaluate patients' knowledge of antithyroid drugs (ATDs). Also, we would like to review the quality of patients' information on the Internet (in Arabic) concerning ATDs' including agranulocytosis. Methods A mixed methods study design was employed, including an online physician questionnaire, structured interviews of patients on ATDs, and evaluation on web sites containing patients' information in Arabic. Results Most physicians (82.6%) thought the frequency of agranulocytosis in patients receiving antithyroid medications is 1 to 5 per 1,000 per annum. Nearly 72% of the participants reported educating their patients about the risk of agranulocytosis when they receive ATDs regularly verbally only. Most physicians thought patients should be warned about sore throat and fever. More participants would measure a white blood cell (WBC) count only if a patient developed suggestive symptoms (57.0%) than those who do it routinely (43.0%). If a patient receiving ATDs develops suspicious symptoms, participants thought that the most efficient way to deal with this is to attend the nearest hospital emergency department (37.2%). Less thought they can go to any facility with a laboratory that can do WBC count (29.8%) or contact their usual endocrine clinic (24.4%). Nearly half of the patients (49%) were aware of the side effects of ATDs, but only 17 respondents (17.3%) identified one or both of the two most typical symptoms of agranulocytosis. The quality of the information received was evaluated as “not good at all” or “poor” by 19.2%. Over two-thirds (69.7%) of participants thought the amount of information was about right. Most participants (72.5%) preferred receiving information on side effects during consultations with their physicians. Since starting ATDs, 37.0% of patients have experienced different symptoms suggestive of agranulocytosis in various combinations. However, only one-third (12/37) had an urgent blood count. A review of 190 selected Arabic patient information Internet sites revealed a significant variation in patient advice. Six percent 11/190 (5.8%) of the sites can be considered good. Conclusions The findings of suboptimal and inconsistent perceptions and practices of physicians and patients put patients with ATD in the Middle East at increased risk and call for more action from professional and patient advocacy groups.