Efficacy and safety of colchicine post myocardial infarction: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers inflammation that affects post-MI outcomes. Colchicine shows potential in treating cardiovascular (CV) conditions; however, its role in reducing adverse CV events post-MI remains uncertain.

Methods: We conducted a thorough search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science from inception to February 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing colchicine and control in MI patients. Outcomes were analyzed using a random-effects model to pool relative risks (RRs) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: A total of 14 RCTs incorporating 14,326 patients were included. The incidence of adverse CV events, all-cause mortality, cardiac-specific mortality, non-cardiac specific mortality, recurrent MI, repeat revascularization and post-MI heart failure (HF), post-MI atrial fibrillation (AF), and stroke were comparable between colchicine and control groups. In both colchicine and control groups, a similar change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) from the baseline was observed. Regarding the safety profile, both colchicine and control had overall comparable any adverse effects; however, gastrointestinal adverse events (RR: 1.74, 95% CI [1.20, 2.51], P = 0.003) were higher in the colchicine group. The incidence of myelotoxicity or infections was comparable between both groups.

Conclusions: Colchicine was not beneficial in reducing adverse CV events, mortality, recurrent MI, repeat revascularization, post-MI HF, post-MI AF, and stroke following acute MI compared to control. However, colchicine use was associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events, with no notable increase in any adverse effects, myelotoxicity, or infections.

Keywords: Cardiology; Colchicine, Inflammation; Intervention; Ischemia.; PCI.