Colchicine as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent for asthma.
BACKGROUND
Oral corticosteroids are used as a treatment for asthma, but they are often associated with serious side effects. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory, immuno modulating agent, which could potentially have a beneficial effect in the treatment of asthma as well as act as a steroid-sparing agent.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of colchicine as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent for in the treatment of chronic asthma.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register (November 2002), SIGLE (1980 to 2001) and reference lists of potential articles. We also contacted researchers in the field.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials investigating the addition of colchicine compared to placebo in stable steroid dependent asthmatics.


METHODS
No trials were found that met the inclusion criteria.


RESULTS
We were unable to perform any meta-analyses. Two small studies have assessed the efficacy of colchicine subsequent to inhaled steroid withdrawal and as a tapering agent in inhaled steroids. Both studies failed to detect a significant difference between colchicine and placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
No relevant trials have been published, so there is no evidence to indicate that colchicine is beneficial or otherwise in the management of steroid-dependent asthmatic patients. There is a need for well designed randomised controlled trials to be performed.
Portsmouth Institute of Medicine, Health and Social Care, University of Portsmouth, St George's Building, 141 High Street, Portsmouth, UK, PO1 2HY.
A
A
Dewey
T
T
Dean
A
A
Bara
T J
TJ
Lasserson
E H
EH
Walters
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003078:Colchicine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D003078:Colchicine