Colchicine myoneuropathy in a renal transplant patient

Transpl Int. 2002 Jul;15(7):374-6. doi: 10.1007/s00147-002-0426-9. Epub 2002 Jun 20.

Abstract

Colchicine is widely employed for the treatment of gout in renal transplant patients where NSAIDs are contra-indicated and allopurinol prophylaxis is often avoided due to concomitant azathioprine immunosuppression. We report here a case of colchicine-induced myoneuropathy in a renal transplant recipient. Our patient had myalgia, muscle weakness, elevated creatine kinase levels, myopathic changes on electromyography and peripheral neuropathy. Withdrawal of colchicine resulted in recovery within 4 weeks. Renal transplant recipients are likely to be at greater risk of colchicine-induced myoneuropathy due to the unique concurrence of risk factors predisposing to toxicity in such patients. These risk factors include the high incidence of gout in this population, widespread use of colchicine as first-line therapy, impaired renal function and concomitant cyclosporin treatment. The diagnosis should be considered in any renal transplant recipient receiving the drug who develops myopathy. Prompt withdrawal of colchicine therapy should result in rapid clinical and biochemical improvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colchicine / adverse effects*
  • Gout / drug therapy*
  • Gout Suppressants / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Gout Suppressants
  • Colchicine