Systematic review of colchicine neuromyopathy: Risk factors, duration and resolution.

OBJECTIVE: To identify reports of colchicine-induced neuropathy and myopathy and ascertain risk factors associated with this toxicity at commonly used doses. METHODS: A systematic review of case reports was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA methodology). PubMed and EMBASE were searched through October 2021 for case reports of neuropathy and/or myopathy associated with the use of colchicine at therapeutic doses. RESULTS: A total of 143 cases of neuromyopathy from 99 articles were identified as having a "definite" or "probable" association with colchicine usage, as assessed by the Naranjo algorithm. Most of these cases presented with features of both neuropathy and myopathy (n=72, 51%) but symptoms of myopathy were predominant. The mean total daily dose was 1.25±0.60 mg and 48% had been taking colchicine for more than 12 months before presenting with neuromyopathy. A total of 117 (82%) of all reports had either a significant co-morbidity or possible colchicine drug-drug interaction, while 57 (40%) had both risk factors. A total of 26 cases (18%) had no significant risk factor but only 15 of these reports contained complete descriptions of the patient's co-morbidities and co-medications. Cessation of colchicine generally led to complete resolution of symptoms in 70% of cases within a median of 21 days. There were 3 deaths reported which were due to multi-organ failure despite cessation of colchicine and medical management. Colchicine was restarted at reduced doses in 15 cases and 73% had no symptom recurrence. CONCLUSION: Neuromyopathy is an uncommon but reported adverse effect of colchicine. Cases generally present with proximal myopathy symptoms. Cases of colchicine neuromyopathy are largely reported in patients on commonly used doses. Renal and hepatic dysfunction and medications that inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 isozyme (CYP3A4) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) appear to be the most significant risk factors. Fortunately, cessation of colchicine generally leads to complete resolution of symptoms. Recommencement of colchicine at reduced doses appeared to be usually safe.

Australian Consensus Statements for the Assessment and Management of Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The understanding of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) has accelerated over the last decade, producing a number of practice-changing developments. Diagnosis is challenging. No diagnostic criteria exist, no single finding is diagnostic, and other causes of back pain may act as confounders. AIM: To update and expand the 2014 consensus statement on the investigation and management of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). METHODS: We created search questions based on our previous statements and four new topics then searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. We assessed relevant publications by full-text review and rated their level of evidence using the GRADE system. We compiled a GRADE evidence summary then produced and voted on consensus statements. RESULTS: We identified 5145 relevant publications, full-text reviewed 504, and included 176 in the evidence summary. We developed and voted on 22 consensus statements. All had high agreement. Diagnosis of nr-axSpA should be made by experienced clinicians, considering clinical features of spondyloarthritis, blood tests, and imaging. History and examination should also assess alternative causes of back pain and related conditions including non-specific back pain and fibromyalgia. Initial investigations should include CRP, HLA-B27, and AP pelvic radiography. Further imaging by T1 and STIR MRI of the sacroiliac joints is useful if radiography does not show definite changes. MRI provides moderate-to-high sensitivity and high specificity for nr-axSpA. Acute signs of sacroiliitis on MRI are not specific and have been observed in the absence of spondyloarthritis. Initial management should involve NSAIDs and a regular exercise program, while TNF and IL-17 inhibitors can be used for high disease activity unresponsive to these interventions. Goals of treatment include improving the frequent impairment of social and occupational function that occurs in nr-axSpA. CONCLUSIONS: We provide 22 evidence-based consensus statements to provide practical guidance in the assessment and management of nr-axSpA.