COLCHICINE-INDUCED MYONEUROPATHY IN CHILDHOOD

Colchicine is used in the treatment of gouty arthritis, familial Medit erranean fever, amyloidosis, Behcet disease and dermatoses, Myoneuropa thy is a rare side-effect reported either with intoxication or in elde rly patients with chronic renal insufficiency causing elevated plasma drug levels. We report the first two cases of myoneuropathy in childre n, both taking appropriate doses of colchicine, and having normal rena l function. The myoneuropathic changes were reversible after stopping treatment. The cause of colchicine myoneuropathy is unclear. Conclusio n In children treated with colchicine, neuromuscular phenomena of unkn own aetiology may be related to tl-le drug, even with a lack of intoxi cation or renal insufficiency.