Use of Colchicine to Decrease Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Ablation
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2024-11-30
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFib) has been recommended as a therapeutic option when
rhythm maintenance strategy is sought. One of the main objectives of an AFib ablation
procedure is electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins, which have been identified as
common triggering sites of the arrhythmia. The pathophysiology of AFib is not fully
elucidated. Inflammation seems to play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of
AFib. Previous studies have shown that inflammatory markers reactivity (eg, C-reactive
protein [CRP] complex levels, elevation of white blood cells) are increased in patients who
develop AFib. Similarly, recurrence of AFib within the first few weeks after ablation
procedure seems to be mediated by an inflammatory process triggered by the ablation per se as
implied by increased early CRP levels in AFib ablation patients. On the other hand, AFib can
further induce and maintain a cascade of inflammatory events leading to electrical and
structural atrial remodeling which leads to higher incidence of Afib development. Many trials
have investigated the role of anti-inflammatory agents in preventing post-ablation AFib,
using various treatment regimens such as corticosteroid therapy, antiarrhythmic medications
like amiodarone, intravenous magnesium, atorvastatin, and colchicine. Previous studies have
shown that colchicine can lead to decreased recurrence of post-ablation AFib with a
beneficial impact in self-perceived quality of life of the patients. There is limited
knowledge regarding the impact of colchicine duration and dosing on post-ablation Afib
recurrence and the self-perceived quality of life. The information obtained from this study
will ultimately guide future clinical practice to ensure safer outcomes.