Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of the Use of Colchicine for the Management of Patients With Mild and Severe SARS-Cov2 Infection

The world is currently facing a pandemic due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus causing acute respiratory failure called SARS-Cov2. The majority of patients (8 out of 10) are known to have mild disease, manifested by respiratory tract symptoms associated with fever, headache, and body pain. However, it is possible that the disease progresses to a severe stage, whith the need for mechanical ventilation support associated with high morbidity and mortality. The progression of the disease is mainly due to the appearance of uncontrolled inflammation that also favors the development of disseminated clots. So far, there is no effective treatment to combat coronavirus; however, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is potentially effective in preventing complications from the disease. In this regard, low dose colchicine is relatively safe and effective as an anti-inflammatory. It has been used for many years in the control of inflammation secondary to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. The aim of this study is to test if the administration of colchicine at a dose of 1.5 mg the first day and subsequently 0.5 mg BID until completing 10 days of treatment is effective as a treatment for inflammation related symptoms in patients with mild and severe disease secondary to coronavirus infection. The primary outcome is improvement of symptoms related to inflammation and avoiding progression to severe and critical stages of the disease. Colchicine can be discontinued before the end of 10 days in case of serious adverse effects or if the patient progresses to the critical stages of the disease.