Colchicine overdose-induced acute renal failure and electrolyte imbalance.

Colchicine has been used to control gouty arthritis for long time; colchicine overdose, however, causes multiple organ dysfunction. To date, no investigation has revealed the site of kidney lesion or dysfunction. This investigation describes the case of a male with a history of gout who ingested a large amount of colchicine and developed renal, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, muscular, electrolytic, and hepatic disorder. Glucosuria was noted during hospital days. Colchicine intoxication is shown to induce proximal tubule damage. Severe electrolytes imbalance was noted, including hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypocalcemia. After management, the renal function and serum electrolyte of the patient recovered on the sixth day of hospitalization.