Management of Necrotizing Vasculitis With Colchicine

Abstract

Six patients with necrotizing vasculitis were treated with oral colchicine as part of an open study. Four patients with cutaneous vasculitis and normal levels of serum complement and one patient with vasculitis associated with Behçet's syndrome demonstrated clinical improvement while receiving colchicine. One patient with cryoglobulinemia, hypocomplementemia, and cutaneous vasculitis showed no response to colchicine therapy. In three patients, clinical improvement persisted after its withdrawal. Colchicine may be effective in controlling cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis and Behçet's syndrome through its effect on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function. (Arch Dermatol115:1303-1306, 1979)