Sex differences in N-palmitoylethanolamide effectiveness in neuropathic pain associated with lumbosciatalgia.

BACKGROUND

Response to N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) appear to be influenced by hormonal changes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sex differences in the effectiveness of PEA.

METHOD

Patients with neuropathic pain resulting from lumbosciatalgia were assigned to conventional treatment plus PEA or conventional treatment. The pain variables were measured using a visual analog scale and quality of life was assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and twelve patients were included. Significant differences were seen in men for all the variables. In women the differences were only significant for pain. A multivariate linear regression analysis showed a positive interaction between men and PEA treatment for the SF-12 mental component.

CONCLUSION

Men treated with PEA are more likely to improve their quality of life regarding mental health, compared with women.