A centuries-old anti-inflammatory drug seems to improve cardiovascular outcomes, although the mechanism of the benefit remains uncertain.
Because inflammation can increase the risk for cardiovascular events, investigators launched a randomized, placebo-controlled study (COLCOT; NCT02551094) to determine whether colchicine, a potent, inexpensive, orally administered anti-inflammatory medication, improves outcomes in 4745 patients (mean age, 61; 19% women; white, 73%) who experienced a recent acute myocardial infarction (MI).
Reasons for study exclusion were ejection fraction <35%, recent history of stroke, type 2 MI, or recent coronary-artery bypass grafting. About 30% were smokers; 20% had diabetes. About 93% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, and almost all were on statins and dual antiplatelet therapy (98%–99%); 89% were taking beta blockers.
Colchicine was dosed a…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardUnited Healthcare; Element Science; Eyedentifeye, F-Prime
EquityHugo Health; Refactor Health; Element Science
Grant/Research SupportPfizer; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Janssen Research and Development, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; American Heart Association
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardUnited Healthcare; Element Science; Eyedentifeye, F-Prime
EquityHugo Health; Refactor Health; Element Science
Grant/Research SupportPfizer; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Janssen Research and Development, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; American Heart Association