Diagnosis of Infection in a Patient with Colchicine Intoxication

Problems in diagnosis:

(1) the patient has an increased risk of infection

(2) the diagnosis of infection may be a false-positive

Reasons for an increased risk of infection:

(1) transient period of leukopenia

(2) colchicine-induced disorder of neutrophil function

(3) aspiration

(4) bedridden state associated with multi-organ failure

Reasons for a false-positive diagnosis of infection:

(1) fever

(2) leukocytosis during early intoxication and after leukopenia

(3) multi-organ failure