Efficacy of ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide in canine atopic dermatitis: an open-label multi-centre study.
BACKGROUND
Palmitoylethanolamide is a naturally occurring bioactive lipid, produced on-demand by damage-exposed cells. Palmitoylethanolamide is documented to counteract inflammation, itch and pain.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this 8-week study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA-um) in dogs with moderate atopic dermatitis.


METHODS
Clinicians from 39 veterinary clinics enrolled 160 dogs with nonseasonal atopic dermatitis and moderate pruritus.


METHODS
This was a multi-centre open-label study. On days 0 (D0) and 56 (D56), owners evaluated pruritus with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and completed a validated Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire. Veterinarians assessed the severity of skin lesions using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI).


RESULTS
Mean pruritus VAS score decreased from 5.7 ± 0.08 cm (range 3.8-7.9 cm) to 3.63 ± 0.19 cm (range 0.1-9.2 cm) (P < 0.0001). At D56, 58% of dogs showed a greater than 2 cm reduction from baseline and 30% showed an absent-to-very mild pruritus (VAS ≤ 2 cm). Mean total CADLI at D56 decreased significantly (P < 0.0001); in 62% of dogs this score reached a value in the remission range (≤5). Mean total QoL score was significantly decreased (P < 0.0001) with 45% of dogs reaching QoL values described for healthy animals. Tolerability was good-to-excellent with only four dogs reporting treatment associated reversible adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
PEA-um appears to be effective and safe in reducing pruritus and skin lesions, and in improving QoL in dogs with moderate atopic dermatitis and moderate pruritus.
Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, Strada Bedale della Ressia 2, Peveragno, CN, 12016, Italy.
Chiara
C
Noli
CeDIS (Centro di Documentazione e Informazione Scientifica), Innovet Italia Srl, Via Egadi 7, Milan, 20144, Italy.
M Federica
MF
Della Valle
CeDIS (Centro di Documentazione e Informazione Scientifica), Innovet Italia Srl, Via Egadi 7, Milan, 20144, Italy.
Alda
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Miolo
CeDIS (Centro di Documentazione e Informazione Scientifica), Innovet Italia Srl, Via Egadi 7, Milan, 20144, Italy.
Cristina
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Medori
Dipartimento Biomedicina Comparata ed Alimentazione, Università di Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro, PD, 35020, Italy.
Carlo
C
Schievano
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000577:Amides; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010169:Palmitic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life
D000577:Amides; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004983:Ethanolamines; D010169:Palmitic Acids; C005958:palmidrol