Anti-inflammatory Effects of Colchicine in PCI

Peri-procedural inflammation is associated with increased rates of post-procedural myocardial infarction (MI), which occur in up to 35% of PCI patients and are themselves associated with increased risk of later MI and death. Statins suppress both inflammatory markers and MI rates during and after PCI, but ≥ 40% of PCI patients go statin-untreated, due in part to side effects such as myalgia. Moreover, because their mechanism of action relies on post-translational effects, statins must be given ≥ 12 to 24 hours prior to PCI, a time frame that is not always feasible. The investigators propose a novel alternative approach to reduce inflammation during PCI employing colchicine, an anti-inflammatory medication used frequently in gout and pericarditis. Colchicine may be particularly applicable to the PCI setting due to its rapid onset of action and excellent side-effect profile at low doses, as well as its known mechanisms of action. However, data on colchicine use in patients with coronary disease is extremely limited, and no studies to date have evaluated the use of colchicine in patients undergoing PCI. The investigators aim to characterize a potential mechanism of benefit in patients undergoing PCI by evaluating the effects of colchicine on soluble and leukocyte surface markers after PCI. The investigators also aim to determine the effects of colchicine on peri-procedural myonecrosis and MI. Accordingly, the investigators propose a prospective randomized study to characterize the effect of colchicine on inflammation and peri-procedural myocnecrosis. Patients referred for possible PCI will be randomized in a double-blinded fashion to placebo or colchicine (1.2mg 1 to 2 hours before PCI, followed by 0.6mg 1 hour later). The primary endpoint will be post-procedural interleukin-6 level. Secondary endpoints will include other relevant soluble and leukocyte-associated inflammatory markers and rates of peri-procedural myonecrosis and MI.