Estimation of interleukin 1β levels in acute gout patients before and after colchicine

ABSTRACT

Gout is a debilitating condition that affects millions across the world. In gout, hyperuricemia results in the deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals in joints and soft tissues. IL-1β, an interleukin has been shown to be the most prominent inflammatory marker in the pathogenesis of gout. This study was conducted to assess the IL-1β lowering effect of oral colchicine in gout patients. Forty gout patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and one group was treated with oral colchicine while the other group was treated with NSAIDs for a period of 2 months. Their serum IL1β levels were estimated before and after treatment. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups. It was found that IL-1β levels in the colchicine group were significantly lower than the IL-1β levels of the NSAID group. They also had better symptomatic relief. This study concluded that serum IL-1β was elevated in gout patients and colchicine was effective in lowering it.