Safe drug use in long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome: comparison of website statistics.
AIMS
We sought to obtain insights into the efficacy of two websites, www.QTdrugs.org and www.BrugadaDrugs.org, that have the intention to prevent fatal arrhythmias due to unsafe drug use in Long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome.


METHODS AND RESULTS
Prospective web-use statistical analysis combined with online surveys were employed. Our main outcome measure was the percentage of Long QT syndrome patients and Brugada syndrome patients reporting refraining or discontinuation of possible unsafe drugs. QTdrugs.org has received >3 100 000 visitors from 180 countries. Most visitors originated from the Americas (87%), as compared with Europe (7%), Asia (3%), Oceania (2%), and Africa (1%). The QTdrugs.org survey yielded 340 respondents: 34% were patients and 50% medical professionals. Of the patients, 79% reported that they refrained from, and 61% reported discontinuing drugs due to the website. The website was very much appreciated by 65% of the respondents and 30% found it rather helpful. The BrugadaDrugs.org received >48 000 visitors from 154 countries. Most visitors originated from Europe (46%) and the Americas (39%), but less from Asia (10%), Oceania (4%), and Africa (<1%). The BrugadaDrugs.org survey yielded 178 respondents: 68% were patients and 21% medical professionals. Of the patients, 72% reported refraining from, and 48% discontinuing drugs due to the website. The website was very much appreciated by 72% of the respondents and 25% found it rather helpful.


CONCLUSION
These websites are extensively used, they promote drug awareness, and they help patients to avoid possible pro-arrhythmic drugs. Visitors find the websites valuable but should note their limitations.
['Postema|Pieter G|PG|', 'Neville|Jon|J|', 'de Jong|Jonas S S G|JS|', 'Romero|Klaus|K|', 'Wilde|Arthur A M|AA|', 'Woosley|Raymond L|RL|']
D000328:Adult D053840:Brugada Syndrome D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac D004346:Drug Information Services D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions D005260:Female D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D020407:Internet D008133:Long QT Syndrome D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D010353:Patient Education as Topic D011446:Prospective Studies D012307:Risk Factors D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D016896:Treatment Outcome
Drugs Long QT syndrome Brugada syndrome website statistics Cardiac arrest Side effects website use