Colchicine for a 20mos old & Other Questions

January 13, 2008

Hi,

I've peeled through the archives on this site and would like to bring

up the colchicine & have a few other questions.

This weekend we met with a Rheumatologist from NIH. My son has not

been diagnosed , just PFS for now. We are still awaiting Gene

DX test results. So far his only syptoms are fevers like clockwork,

loss of appetite durning an attack, and suspected body pain (just a

guess from how much crying he does). We went over 's symptoms

with the Rheum and she wrote us a script for Colchicine. She stressed

that this drug has been around for decades and is very mild and

should cause no serious side effects and not to worry. HOWEVER I

really am usure of this is the right course of action for a small

toddler. She even said he did not need monitoring while on it, which

is contrary to what I've read. She seemed fairly casual about the

drug and from what I'm reading, one should not tread so lightly.

1. His bloodwork showed slight tendancy to anemia. Do your kids

exhibit the same? The warnings on colchicine say it can cause

anemia. I think it unwise to give a child who already has low iron

something that could make it worse. Anyone's kids here on colchicine

develop iron problems?

2. Anyone have thoughts on giving a 20mos old this drug? Given that

there are warnings against giving it to growing childern, I am not

convinced that the risk/benefit is worth it. Now, if he ever showes

protiens in his kidneys, I would definitly say, yes, the risk IS

worth it.

3. Looking at the archives, I'm not seeing much success w/this drug.

Anyone have a success story?

4. Everything I've read says that this drug is mainly for FMF.

Anyone using it with success who has not been diagnosed with FMF?

Thanks!

Mom2 born 5/11/06

Fevering since February 07

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