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Colchicine as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent for asthmaDewey A, Bara A, Lasserson TJ, Walters EH
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SummaryColchicine as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent for asthmaAsthma can be treated with drugs which aim to reduce inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids are frequently used, but occasionally individuals require oral steroids for adequate control. However, oral steroids are frequently associated with severe side-effects. Colchicine has been suggested as a useful 'add-on' therapy to oral steroid treatment with the aim of reducing the dose requirement in such asthma. There is a need for well-designed trials addressing this question before recommendations can be made.
This is a Cochrane review abstract and plain language summary, prepared and maintained by The Cochrane Collaboration, currently published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 Issue 2, Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).
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October 20. 2003 AbstractBackgroundOral 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. ObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of colchicine as an oral corticosteroid sparing agent for in the treatment of chronic asthma. Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register (to November 2007), SIGLE (1980 to 2001) and reference lists of potential articles. We also contacted researchers in the field. Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials investigating the addition of colchicine compared to placebo in stable steroid dependent asthmatics. Data collection and analysisNo trials were found that met the inclusion criteria. Main resultsWe 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. An update search conducted in November 2005 did not identify any new trials. Authors' conclusionsNo 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. |