Background:

Colchicine is often used in patients with osteoarthritis in which calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease is suspected. Colchicine has also been used by many rheumatologists in clinical practice, and in some trials, on patients with primary osteoarthritis (apparently unrelated to calcium pyrophosphate). However, its role in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis is not clear, and international guidelines have not established recommendations.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine for the treatment of adult patients with primary knee osteoarthritis as well as the form associated with calcium pyrophosphate.

Methods:

A structured literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and LILACS databases. Randomised controlled trials were included in which colchicine was used as intervention in patients with primary or pyrophosphate calcium-associated knee osteoarthritis.

Results:

The study included 5 randomised controlled trials, all of which showed a common trend in all estimated points of the joint, favouring the use of colchicine for improvement in pain and functionality. Although the effect was not statistically significant in individual studies, there was a greater tendency of gastrointestinal adverse effects with the use of colchicine. None of the studies assessed quality of life.

Conclusions:

Colchicine appears to be an effective and safe alternative for treatment of adult patients with knee osteoarthritis, either primary or associated with the deposit of calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Its use reduces pain and improves functionality, but it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients.

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