Different Duration of Colchicine for Preventing Recurrence of Gouty Arthritis



Karimzadeh H¹ ; Nazari J² ; Mottaghi P¹ ; Kabiri P³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences Published:2006

Abstract

Background: Gout is a Common recurrent clinical syndrome characterized by increased serum uric acid and recurrent attacks of acute arthritis. Colchicine is used for Prophylaxis against recurrence of arthritis, but the duration of its administration has mentioned variable. In this study, optimal duration of prophylactic colchicine for prevention of gouty arthritis was assessed. Methods: In a clinical trial 190 patients with gouty arthritis divided randomly to group 1,2and 3 and received colchicine for 3 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 months then colchicine discontinued and the patients followed one year for recurrence of arthritis. Result assessed by survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The probability of recurrence of arthritis (in order of duration of colchicine prophylaxis) was 54%, 27.5% and 23%, respectively. The difference between group one and others was statistically significant, but between group 2 and 3 was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The most suitable duration of colchicine prophylaxis that accompanied with lower recurrence rate was 7-9 months, which seems more cost-effective than 10-12 months regimen.