The Efficacy of Colchicine on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Prospective Comparative Study

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population. Several clinical trials have shown that suppression of the inflammatory response can delay or decrease the atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study was to investigate carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) between patients with chronic disease history plus gout using colchicine and patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

In total, 102 patients (85 female, 17 male) were included. There were two groups in the study: Group 1 - patients with chronic diseases including cardiovascular risk factors plus gout using colchicine (0,5 mg twice a day); and Group 2 - patients with chronic diseases including cardiovascular risk factors only. All patients underwent ultrasonography for the measurement of CIMT. Additionally, the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the levels of lipids such as cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL were measured.

The mean age of patients was 62.35±6.68 years and 64.27±5.32 years in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. There was also no statistically significant difference in the levels of lipids between groups (p>0.05). The value of CIMT and CRP in Group 1 and Group 2 were 0.98±0.20 and 0.26±0.14, 1.18±0.15 and 0.58±0.42, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between groups (p<0.05). The colchicine group was found to have a statistically significant lowering of CIMT and CRP compared to the non-colchicine group.

It appears that colchicine in addition to statins and other standard treatments is an effective treatment for the interception of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.