Colchicine Overdose Causing Respiratory and Multi-organ Failure

Tim Yu-Ting Lee ； Jen-Wei Wu ； Chao-Yu Chen ； Ching-Tzu Huang ； Han-Chung Hu ； Kuo-Chin Kao

《胸腔醫學》 39卷2期 (2024/06) Pp. 183-188

摘要

Colchicine is usually a safe drug if taken according to therapeutic recommendations (maximum dose of 1.8 mg/hour for acute gout). However, ingesting colchicine in quantities that exceed the recommended maximum can cause serious systemic side effects and may even be life-threatening. Here, we report a rare case of colchicine overdose caused by inappropriate self-medication. Gastrointestinal symptoms and acute kidney injury developed, and hemodialysis was initiated. Acute respiratory failure, profound shock with acute heart failure, hepatitis, and pancytopenia were observed. Various treatments were implemented, and the patient gradually recovered from multi-organ dysfunction and was eventually discharged. The pharmacology of colchicine, the clinical features associated with overdose, and treatment options are discussed.

關鍵字

colchicine overdose ； respiratory failure ； multi-organ failure