Colchicine myoneuropathy in chronic renal failure patients with gout

Nephrology (Carlton). 2006 Apr;11(2):147-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1797.2006.00542.x.

Abstract

Colchicine myoneuropathy is a rare and often underdiagnosed disease. It often presents as painless subacute muscle weakness. We present a case of painful colchicine myoneuropathy in a 76-year-old man with chronic renal failure and gout. Published work about clinical presentations of colchicine myoneuropathy in gouty arthritis patients are reviewed. During the previous year, the patient had a drug regimen of colchicine 0.5 mg three times per day for a 3 day course each month. He developed bilateral lower leg weakness and severe myalgia. His serum creatinine level was 680.7 micromol/L and creatinine kinase was 959 IU/L on admission. Laboratory findings included decreasing amplitude of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and an electromyogram showed small amplitude, short duration polyphasic waves over the right biceps. A muscle biopsy disclosed vacuolar changes in the cytoplasm. These results all supported a diagnosis of colchicine myoneuropathy. After cessation of colchicine, the creatinine kinase level decreased approximately 50% in 6 days, myalgia subsided and his muscle weakness improved gradually over the next 2 weeks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colchicine / adverse effects*
  • Gout / complications
  • Gout / drug therapy*
  • Gout Suppressants / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Male
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Gout Suppressants
  • Colchicine