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Pericarditis is a serious condition, one which requires a lot of care and medical attention. If not cared for properly, even the mildest cases of pericarditis could flare up and become complicated. Recurrent episodes of pericarditis can cause serious complications. In most cases, the cause of such recurrence is not exactly known, but in some cases, the causes can be traced back to viral and bacterial infections.

For recurring infections that lead to recurring pericarditis, a medication known as colchicine is used. This medication has been traditionally accepted as an exceptional anti-inflammatory agent and has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as gout and arthritis. However, in the more recent times, it has been used to successfully treat severe diseases like Mediterranean fever as well.

How Can Colchicine Help?

Several clinical trials have shown positive results when colchicine is used along with conventional treatment for pericarditis. In idiopathic cases, especially, this medication may be used as the initial mode of treatment for chronic constrictive pericarditis or recurring pericarditis.
Pericardial inflammation is known to be painful, but with that, it can also be constrictive and can severely limit the heart’s ability to meet the needs of the body. The optimal method of preventing and correcting recurrences of pericarditis has not been found yet, and therefore, a lot of medical practitioners have started using colchicine for the successful treatment of this disease.

Studies have shown that in cases where patients have recurrent pericarditis due to over use of corticosteroids, the use of colchicine can be especially beneficial. Patients treated with corticosteroids for a long time may experience several relapses, and for such patients, traditional medications and treatments may not show the most optimal results. In various other studies, researchers have concluded that prolonged use of colchicine was not only safe but was also effective in long-term prevention of recurrent forms of pericarditis.

How Does Colchicine Work?

Colchicine blocks cell division through mitosis and therefore prevents inflammation. To do this, it binds to tubulin and interferes with the movement of collagen from one cell to another. Anecdotal evidence suggests that doctors who have used colchicines for the treatment of the initial stages of acute pericarditis have also found the medication to be very efficient. In almost all cases where colchicine was used for the treatment of acute phase of pericarditis, the medication was successfully able to control the phase and completely treat the condition. However, discontinuation of treatment or non compliance to the treatment schedule prescribed by the attending doctor can cause recurrences.

The role of colchicine in the treatment of pericardial effusions, especially the larger ones, has also been examined. It has been found that the medication is able to show immediate and dramatic results in cases where pericardial effusion has become a complication. The use of colchicine in this case also prevents recurrences and side effects of pericarditis.

Doctors have found that the use of immunosuppressant drugs and surgical procedures such as pericardiectomy can be life threatening and may lead to life long disabilities. The use of colchicines renders these medications and surgical procedures unnecessary. Its use is therefore viewed as extremely promising when combined with conventional treatments for pericarditis. Long-term medical treatment, aimed at improving the quality of life of the patients, may be required in cases of recurrent pericarditis. However, with the use of colchicine, the need for life long or long-term medical treatment may be eliminated.

Are there Any Long-Term Side Effects?

There may be some gastrointestinal side effects of treatment with colchicine, but so far none have been known to be severe enough to warrant any medical attention or discontinuation of the treatment. It is best to speak with a doctor for more information.

References:

1. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/97/21/2183.full
2. Colchicine for recurrent pericarditis (CORP): a randomized trial; Ann Intern Med.; Imazio M et al; 2011 Oct 4

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