In the management of recurrent pericarditis, which medication addition improves therapeutic response?

The addition of colchicine in the management of recurrent pericarditis is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits. Colchicine works by inhibiting the inflammatory process, which is central to the pathophysiology of pericarditis. It has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the frequency of recurrent events and improve overall patient outcomes compared to aspirin or corticosteroids alone.

Colchicine is particularly effective because it not only alleviates symptoms but also serves as a preventive measure against recurrences. Its favorable side-effect profile compared to long-term corticosteroid use makes it a preferred choice in treating this condition, especially for patients who have already experienced multiple episodes of pericarditis.

While other medications like aspirin and prednisone may have roles in symptom relief and initial management, colchicine specifically targets the inflammation associated with recurrent pericarditis to reduce both symptoms and the likelihood of recurrence effectively. Therefore, its addition is significant for improving therapeutic response in patients experiencing this condition.