Marrow aplasia induced by colchicine. A case report

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Gouty arthritis is a common condition often treated with medications like colchicine.
• Intravenous administration of colchicine is less common but may be used in specific clinical scenarios.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old male patient received 10 mg of colchicine intravenously over 5 days for acute gouty arthritis.
• The patient subsequently developed severe marrow aplasia and pancytopenia.

Findings:

• Colchicine administration led to life-threatening bone marrow aplasia and pancytopenia.
• Despite the fatal outcome, bone marrow biopsy showed evidence of hematopoietic recovery three days after discontinuing colchicine.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare but severe adverse effect of intravenous colchicine.
• The exact mechanism of colchicine-induced marrow aplasia requires further investigation.
• Clinicians should be aware of potential hematological toxicities associated with colchicine, particularly with intravenous use.