期刊連結：http://www.gouthyperuricemia.org

Objective: Colchicine is frequently used for management of acute and chronic gout. Many known potential drug-drug interactions exist between colchicine and medications frequently prescribed during hospitalizations. Furthermore, some common medical conditions can impact colchicine metabolism and increase the risk of adverse events. We examined the frequency that colchicine and medications known to have potentially interactions were co-prescribed in an urban inpatient setting. Additionally, we examined the use of colchicine in patients with medical conditions known to impact its metabolism.

Methods: The electronic medical and pharmacy records of 232 consecutive inpatients with diagnosis of gout, hospitalized between 2011-2013, were reviewed. The use of colchicine, associated medical comorbidities and concomitant medications was collected and analyzed.

Results: Colchicine was prescribed to 96.13% of patients. Fully 96.56% of patients had one or more concomitant comorbidity, including 31.46% with chronic kidney disease (8.21% and 6.46% had stage IV or V kidney disease, respectively), which can be associated with colchicine toxicity. Furthermore, 60.08% of patients were also taking at least one medication that is associated with risk of colchicine toxicity.

Conclusion: In an urban inpatient cohort of patients with acute and chronic gout, colchicine and medications known to interact with colchicine metabolism are commonly used together. Additionally, patients with significant hepatic or renal involvement are also often prescribed colchicine. This study revealed high frequency of colchicine use in a population with a high prevalence of associated risk factors for drug toxicity, awareness of these comorbid conditions and medications is needed to decrease potential known adverse events.