POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA BY D-MYO-INOSITOL-1,2,6-TRISPHOSPHATE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHOLECYSTECTOMY

D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate (1,2,6-IP3,) possesses antiinflamma tory properties, such as reduced eicosanoid synthesis and inhibition o f inflammation-induced edema. These properties suggest possible analge sic effects. The analgesic effect of 1,2,6-IP3, was evaluated in a dou ble-blind, randomized study in 24 patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Ten patients received 1,2,6-IP3, as an intravenous (IV) bolus dose of 240 mg, followed by a continuous IV infusion at 90 mg/h for 24 h. The placebo group (n = 14) received corresponding volumes of isotonic sal ine. Postoperative pain (visual analog pain scale; VAS) and opiate ana lgesic requirements (ketobemidon) were evaluated during five postopera tive days. Results showed significantly reduced pain during the first five postoperative days in patients treated with 1,2,6-IP3, as measure d by using a VAS (P < 0.05). The requirements of opioid analgesics wer e significantly reduced during the first three postoperative days (P < 0.05). No drug-related side effects were observed. Results of the pre sent study demonstrate a potent and long-lasting analgesic effect of 1 ,2,6-IP3,, possibly related to its antiinflammatory properties. Implic ations: A new antiinflammatory drug under investigation, inositol-1,2, 6-trisphosphate, was evaluated as a possible analgesic in a pilot stud y during the postoperative period in cholecystectomized patients. Resu lts showed significantly lower pain assessment and opioid consumption, which should encourage further studies.