Colchicine in Patients With Mild and Severe Coronavirus Disease

Overview

The world is currently facing a pandemic due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus causing acute respiratory failure called SARS-Cov2. The majority of patients (8 out of 10) are known to have mild disease, manifested by respiratory tract symptoms associated with fever, headache, and body pain. However, it is possible that the disease progresses to a severe stage, whith the need for mechanical ventilation support associated with high morbidity and mortality. The progression of the disease is mainly due to the appearance of uncontrolled inflammation that also favors the development of disseminated clots. So far, there is no effective treatment to combat coronavirus; however, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is potentially effective in preventing complications from the disease. In this regard, low dose colchicine is relatively safe and effective as an anti-inflammatory. It has been used for many years in the control of inflammation secondary to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. The aim of this study is to test if the administration of colchicine at a dose of 1.5 mg the first day and subsequently 0.5 mg BID until completing 10 days of treatment is effective as a treatment for inflammation related symptoms in patients with mild and severe disease secondary to coronavirus infection. The primary outcome is improvement of symptoms related to inflammation and avoiding progression to severe and critical stages of the disease. Colchicine can be discontinued before the end of 10 days in case of serious adverse effects or if the patient progresses to the critical stages of the disease.

This a placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial to test the efficacy and security of colchicine 1.5 mg at day one followed by 0.5 mg BID to complete 10 days of treatment. The researchers will recruit patients 18-70 years of age who are hospitalized because of the diagnosis of mild or severe COVID-19. Patients will be randomized to receive one of the treatment arms, colchicine or placebo. The aim of the study is to evaluate if colchicine may be able to improve the outcomes in patients with mild and severe COVID-19. Patients will be followed-up during the entire hospitalization time and during convalescence. The importance of this intervention is highlighted because currently, there is not an effective treatment for the virus, nor for the prevention of the cytokine storm or the disseminated intravascular coagulation. Therefore, an early intervention to prevent the development of these complications would be valuable to prevent the morbi-morbidity secondary to severe and critical COVID-19