Colchicine toxicity: Accidental Plant Poisoning with Colchicum Autumnale Resulting in Multiorgan Failure: A Case Report
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Abstract
Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index, with no clear cut-off toxic dose and no age or gender predilection. Beyond its approved use for gout and familial Mediterranean fever, it occurs naturally in Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus), a plant sometimes mistaken for wild garlic. Acute toxicity progresses through three phases: an early gastrointestinal phase within 24 hours, a peak phase between days 1–7 marked by metabolic acidosis, shock, myelosuppression, and multi-organ dysfunction, and a third phase from days 7–21 ending in either recovery or death. No specific antidote exists, and treatment relies on gastric decontamination, activated charcoal, and supportive care, with hemodialysis notably ineffective. We report a 35-year-old man who developed severe colchicine toxicity after accidentally ingesting autumn crocus mistaken for wild garlic, presenting with multi-organ involvement including acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, and severe thrombocytopenia. He was managed supportively and made a full recovery. The case reinforces the importance of considering plant-derived colchicine poisoning in patients with unexplained multi-organ failure.
How to Cite
Hanna, M. I. H., & Abozait, H. J. (2026). Colchicine toxicity: Accidental Plant Poisoning with Colchicum Autumnale Resulting in Multiorgan Failure: A Case Report. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 7(3), 156-159. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.156-159
Hanna, Maryam IH, and Halder J Abozait. "Colchicine toxicity: Accidental Plant Poisoning with Colchicum Autumnale Resulting in Multiorgan Failure: A Case Report." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 7, no. 3, 2026, pp. 156-159. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.156-159.
Hanna, M. I. H. and Abozait, H. J. (2026) 'Colchicine toxicity: Accidental Plant Poisoning with Colchicum Autumnale Resulting in Multiorgan Failure: A Case Report', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 7(3), pp. 156-159. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.156-159.
Hanna MIH, Abozait HJ. Colchicine toxicity: Accidental Plant Poisoning with Colchicum Autumnale Resulting in Multiorgan Failure: A Case Report. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2026;7(3):156-159. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2026.7.3.156-159
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