Colchicine reduces the degree of inflammation in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

COVID-19 increases vulnerability for populations living in regions significantly impacted by the adverse effects of climate change. There is currently no definitive treatment for COVID-19. Colchicine is a drug that can reduce the severity of COVID-19 by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. This study aims to determine the effect of colchicine administration on the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) levels in COVID-19 patients. This study was conducted at the UNS Hospital in February-March 2021. The inclusion criteria were moderate-grade COVID-19 patients. HsCRP and NLR examinations were carried out before and after giving the treatment. The treatment group received 2x0.5 mg colchicine for 7 days and standard therapy, while the control group received placebo and standard therapy. Statistical test using paired t-test and independent t-test. P is significant if p is less than 0.05. The study subjects were 40 patients, with 20 patients in the control group and 20 in the treatment group. There was a decrease in NLR and HsCRP levels in the treatment group before therapy (NLR = 7.89 + 3.45; HsCRP = 5.41 + 3.24 mg/dL) compared to after therapy (NLR = 3.59 + 2.25; HsCRP = 1.41 + 1.13 mg/dL) with p = 0.001. Colchicine reduces the degree of NLR and HsCRP in COVID-19 patients.