Colchicine-induced myopathy in renal failure

J Med Assoc Thai. 1997 Oct;80(10):667-70.

Abstract

A 60 year-old woman with chronic renal failure developed acute proximal muscle weakness after receiving a regular dosage of colchicine. Elevation of muscle enzymes and electromyography were compatible with myopathy. Muscle biopsy revealed variation in muscle fiber size and few vacuolated fibers which were features of colchicine-induced myopathy. The clinical improvement and decreasing in muscle enzyme level occurred after colchicine withdrawal. Other potential causes of myopathy such as chronic renal failure and other drugs were ruled out. We suggested that colchicine should be used with caution in the presence of renal failure especially when other drugs which affect the metabolism of colchicine are also prescribed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Colchicine / adverse effects*
  • Colchicine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Gout / complications
  • Gout / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / chemically induced*
  • Muscle Weakness / pathology

Substances

  • Colchicine