title: Sex differences in N-palmitoylethanolamide effectiveness in neuropathic pain associated with lumbosciatalgia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Response to N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) appear to be influenced by hormonal changes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate sex differences in the effectiveness of PEA.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Men treated with PEA are more likely to improve their quality of life regarding mental health, compared with women.
authors: Cirurgia Ortopèdica i Traumatologia de Catalunya, COTCAT, Hospital Universitari Mutua de Terrassa, 08221 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Carles
authors: C
authors: Morera
authors: Santiago
authors: S
authors: Sabates
authors: Angeles
authors: A
authors: Jaen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010169:Palmitic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D000700:Analgesics; D004983:Ethanolamines; D010169:Palmitic Acids; C005958:palmidrol
keywords: N-palmitoylethanolamide; conservative treatment; low back pain; lumbar disc herniation; lumbosciatica; neuropatic pain; sex