Adverse events of colchicine for cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive meta-analysis of 14 188 patients from 21 randomized controlled trials

Aims Colchicine has an emerging role in the cardiovascular field, although, concerns for side effects, especially gastrointestinal, limit its prescription. We aimed at evaluating reported side effects of colchicine for cardiovascular indications. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials on colchicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess the risk of adverse events and drug withdrawal. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger test, and meta-regression was performed to assess sources of heterogeneity. Results Among 14 188 patients, 7136 patients received colchicine while the other 7052 received placebo. The occurrence of any adverse event with colchicine was reported in 15.3 vs. 13.9% patients [relative risk (RR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–1.64, P = 0.09]. Gastrointestinal events were reported in 16.1 vs. 12.2% (RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.50–3.12, P 
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Tags: Research articles: Medical therapy Source Type: research