Abstract
Background: A previously published prognostic rule predicts 100% survival after ingestion of colchicine doses less than 0.5 mg/kg and 100% mortality after ingestion of more than 0.8 mg/kg. This rule inaccurately predicted survival in a recent case. Case Report: We present a case of fatal colchicine poisoning in an adult who ingested a maximum of 39.6 mg of colchicine (0.40 mg/kg). He subsequently developed hypotension which was refractory to fluid resuscitation and infusion of vasopressors. He died of cardiovascular collapse approximately 35 hours after ingestion. Discussion: Fatal outcomes are possible even with colchicine doses less than 0.5 mg/kg. Physicians caring for colchicine-poisoned patients must be prepared for the possibility of acute cardiovascular collapse and ventricular dysrhythmias regardless of the reported dose of colchicine.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 51-54 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis