Effect of colchicine on C-reactive protein level following hospitalization for myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
Srikiran Dasari, Thomas Fretz, John Sakaleros et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis pooled randomized, placebo-controlled trials of colchicine given for at least 1 month after myocardial infarction (MI), assessing follow-up C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Four trials included 3384 patients, with a median follow-up of 3 months. Compared with placebo, colchicine was associated with a lower mean CRP level at follow-up (mean difference: -0.69 mg/L; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.17; p = 0.009). Heterogeneity was high (I² = 97%). Whether this CRP reduction corresponds to fewer adverse cardiovascular events remains uncertain and requires further study.
Key findings
- Across four trials involving 3384 patients, colchicine lowered follow-up CRP versus placebo (mean difference: -0.69 mg/L; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.17; p = 0.009).
- Median follow-up was 3 months (range: 1-6 months).
- Effect estimates showed high heterogeneity (I² = 97%).
Why it matters
CRP reflects vascular inflammation and has prognostic value for future cardiovascular events. The pooled finding suggests colchicine can reduce this inflammatory biomarker in the months after MI, but a biomarker change alone does not establish a reduction in clinical events. The relationship between colchicine-associated CRP reduction and cardiovascular outcomes remains an important question for further study.
What to keep in mind
The analysis included only four trials, follow-up was relatively short (median 3 months), and heterogeneity was high (I² = 97%).