Using Colchicine to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Heart Rhythm Restoration

Colchicine After Electrocardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation - The COLECTRO-AF Trial

Phase 3 Interventional University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05890664

This study is testing if a low-dose Colchicine treatment can help prevent Atrial Fibrillation from coming back in people who have just had their heart rhythm restored.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment416 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Bruderholz, Basel-Landschaft and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05890664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a 3-month low-dose Colchicine treatment in reducing the recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) following electrocardioversion (ECV). Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia that poses significant health risks, and current treatment options are insufficient as about 60% of patients experience a short-term recurrence after ECV. The researchers aim to explore the role of inflammation in AF and how targeting it with Colchicine may improve patient outcomes. The study will compare the effects of Colchicine against a placebo in eligible patients who have successfully converted to sinus rhythm after ECV.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who have documented Atrial Fibrillation and have successfully converted to sinus rhythm after electrocardioversion.

Not a fit: Patients who experience persistent Atrial Fibrillation after cardioversion or have contraindications to Colchicine will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation, improving long-term heart health for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting inflammation in Atrial Fibrillation is gaining interest, this specific application of Colchicine post-ECV is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years
* ECG-documented AF prior to ECV
* Successful ECV with conversion of AF to sinus rhythm with persistent sinus rhythm ≥30 minutes after ECV
* Ability to give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* AF persistence after cardioversion or early AF recurrence within 30 minutes after ECV
* Any other rhythm than AF before cardioversion
* Pulmonary vein isolation within 3 months prior to ECV or pulmonary vein isolation planned within 3 months after ECV
* Known intolerance or hypersensitivity to Colchicine
* Any other absolute indication for Colchicine intake
* Intake of a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 or P-Glycoprotein (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, cyclosporine, ketoconazole or itraconazole)
* Serious gastrointestinal disease (severe gastritis or diarrhea)
* Clinically overt hepatic disease
* Severe renal disease (eGFR\< 30ml/min/1.73m2)
* Clinically significant blood dyscrasia (e.g., myelodysplasia)
* Significant immunosuppression (e.g. due to transplantation or rheumatic disease)
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women of child-bearing potential who do not use a highly effective form of birth control
* Life expectancy \<1 year

Where this trial is running

Bruderholz, Basel-Landschaft and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atrial FibrillationCardiac ArrhythmiaElectrocardioversionColchicine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.