Bone marrow depression associated with acute colchicine toxicity in the presence of hepatic dysfunction

A case of carcinoma of the pancreas with obstructive jaundice and chronic tophaceous gout is presented. During an 11-day period 14 mg of colchicine were administered as a prophylactic measure. Gastro-intestinal and neurologic symptoms, hypoplasia of the bone marrow, prostration and death resulted. It is suggested that there may be delayed excretion and cumulative toxicity of the drug in patients with hepatic dysfunction.