Acute Pediatric Colchicine Toxicity is Associated with Marked Bradydysrhythmias

Colchicine ingestion is rare but highly lethal. Patients usually die of multiorgan failure and cardiogenic shock. Colchicine is not only associated with depressed myocardial function but also with fatal heart rhythm disturbances, such as complete heart block, ventricular tachycardia, and asystole. While histologic changes of myocytes are well known, the mechanism by which colchicine affects cardiac impulse generation and conduction is not fully understood.
Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Selected Topics: Toxicology Source Type: research