ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Visceral hypersensitivity is an important pathophysiological factor in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Pre-clinical studies suggest that the alpha(2)delta ligand pregabalin reduces both visceral allodynia and hyperalgesia, but is inactive on basal sensitivity. AIM: To assess the effect of pregabalin on the perception of rectal distension in hypersensitive IBS patients. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with Rome-II-defined IBS (aged 18-46 years, 7 male) were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in which they received either 3 weeks oral pregabalin (titrated: 50 mg tid days 1-3, 100 mg tid days 4-7, 150 mg tid days 8-11; fixed 200 mg tid days 12-21 +/-4) or placebo control. Rectal sensitivity was assessed using a barostat technique, in which sensory thresholds were determined using the ascending method of limits, followed by tracking both before and after treatment. Only patients with a pain threshold of Subject(s)
Analgesics/administration & dosage
, Irritable Bowel Syndrome/physiopathology
, Rectum/physiopathology
, Sensation/physiology
, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/analogs & derivatives
, Administration, Oral
, Adolescent
, Adult
, Analgesics/adverse effects
, Analgesics/blood
, Double-Blind Method
, Female
, Humans
, Male
, Middle Aged
, Pain/physiopathology
, Pain Measurement
, Pain Threshold/physiology
, Pregabalin
, Pressure
, Sensory Thresholds/physiology
, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/administration & dosage
, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/adverse effects
, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/blood