A prospective randomized trial of colchicine in prevention of liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients

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Abstract
Background: The clinical course of chronic hepatitis B is variable. Patients with hepatic decompensation, bridging necrosis or an alpha‐fetoprotein level greater than 100 ng/mL during an exacerbation of hepatitis have a high risk of developing cirrhosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of colchicine in the prevention of cirrhosis in such patients. Methods: Patients with risk factor(s) were randomized to receive either colchicine 5 mg/week or no specific treatment, the end point being development of cirrhosis. Results: After a follow up period of 4 years, the treatment group had a marked reduction in exacerbations of acute hepatitis (32% vs. 63%/patient/year, PP‐value of 0.057. Conclusions: The results suggest that colchicine may prevent cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with risk factor(s), possibly by suppressing exacerbations of hepatitis through an anti‐inflammatory effect.

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