Colchicine therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Colchicine is a low cost, oral agent which is rarely used in ITP patients and it is still be considered as an unproved therapy. It was given to 18 patients with ITP in doses of 0.5 mg per oral 3 times a day for a minimum of 6 weeks. It was used in 6 post-splenectomic (Sc), 2 both pre- and post-Sc and post-Sc periods, so efficacy of it was evaluated in 20 therapeutic cycles. The patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months. 3 of pre-Sc and 1 of post-Sc periods exhibited an excellent response. In 6 cycles, platelet count rose to 150000/ul or more but effect was tran-, sientor drug-depended. In 4 cycles there was no effect and in other 5 cycles platelet count rose to 50000/ul but below 150000/ul, however, these responses were transient generally. Responses occurred within first 2 to 12 (medi-an:4) weeks of therapy. All patients were treated as outpatients and drug was tolerated well. We conclude that the efficacy ofcolchicine in treatment of ITP can be comparable with the other therapeutic trials, moreover it has some advantages like being inexpensive, relatively nontoxic and applicable orally.