Could A Classic Treatment For Gout Represent A Breakthrough For Patients With COVID-19?

Could a new treatment for reducing COVID-19-related complications actually come in the form of a very old medication clinicians commonly use to treat gout?

According to investigators from the Colchicine Coronavirus SARS-CoV2 Trial (ColCORONA), the anti-inflammatory medication colchicine can prevent complications and hospitalizations in patients newly diagnosed with COVID-19.¹ Results from the research coordinated by the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) demonstrate a 21 percent reduction in the risk of death or hospitalization in patients with COVID-19, who were treated with colchicine in comparison to placebo.¹

In fact, when excluding patients without a proven diagnosis of COVID-19 (as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing), researchers found the use of colchicine appeared to significantly reduce hospitalizations (25 percent), the need for mechanical ventilation (50 percent) and deaths (44 percent) in this cohort.^1,2 Researchers cite prevention of the so-called “cytokine storm phenomenon” as a possible contributing factor to the success of colchicine in reducing complications of COVID-19.1 In the randomized ColCORONA trial, study participants received either placebo or colchicine 0.5 mg twice daily for three days and then once daily for another 27 days.^1,2  

Of note, the results presented in the press release remain unpublished and have not been subject to the scrutiny of peer review. Additionally, many remain skeptical of anointing such “wonder drugs” for COVID-19, especially in light of what happened with hydroxychloroquine.²  

However, what if the data does hold up in a peer-reviewed publication of the study and subsequent studies replicate these findings? Considering the enormous economic stress and hardship caused by the pandemic, wouldn’t it be remarkable if a drug that costs just approximately 26 cents per dose in Canada and between $4 and $6 in the United States turns out to be a real difference maker?² 

As podiatric physicians and surgeons, we should be prepared for an influx of patient inquiries regarding this treatment, and await further information as it becomes available.

Dr. Isaac is the Director of Research with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic (FASMA). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

References

1. Montreal Heart Institute. News. Colchicine reduces the risk of COVID-19-related complications. Available at: https://www.icm-mhi.org/en/pressroom/news/colchicine-reduces-risk-covid-19-related-complications . Published January 23, 2021. Accessed January 26, 2021.

2. Wendling P. ColCORONA: Colchicine Reduces Complications in Outpatient COVID-19. Medscape Medical News. Available at: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/944593 . Published January 24, 2021. Accessed January 26, 2021.