Palmitoylethanolamide, a neutraceutical, in nerve compression syndromes: efficacy and safety in sciatic pain and carpal tunnel syndrome

Figures & data

Table 1 Mean score values ± SD obtained for the VAS and RDQ at T0 and T21

	Placebo	300 mg	600 mg	P-value
Number of patients	208	210	214
Dropouts	12	4	1
VAS T0 (SD)	6.6 (1.7)	6.5 (1.9)	7.1 (1.8)
VAS T21 (SD)	4.6 (1.7)	3.6 (1.8)	2.1 (1.7)
VAS difference (SD)	2.0 (1.9)	2.9 (2.3)	5.0 (2.5)	<0.05*
RDQ T0 (SD)	11.9 (3.8)	11.7 (4.0)	12.7 (4.1)
RDQ T21 (SD)	8.9 (3.2)	6.7 (3.5)	3.5 (2.7)
VAS difference (SD)	3.0 (3.4)	5.0 (3.3)	9.2 (4.2)	<0.05*

Note:

* Comparison among groups, calculated with Scheffe test.

Abbreviations: SD, standard deviation; VAS, visual analog scale; RDQ, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire.

Figure 1 NNT of PEA to reach 50% reduction of pain.

Abbreviations: PEA, palmitoylethanolamide; VAS, visual analog scale; NNT, number needed to treat; wk, week.

Table 2 Eight clinical trials of PEA in nerve compression syndromes, in a total of 1,366 patients

Publication	Number of patients	Indication
Guida et al, 2010^Citation38	636	Sciatic pain
Gatti et al, 2012^Citation41	331	Sciatic pain
Gatti et al, 2012^Citation41	76	Lumbago
Desio, 2011^Citation42	20	Sciatic pain, lumbar stenosis
Canteri et al, 2010^Citation40	111	Sciatic pain
Palomba et al, 2010^Citation43	41	Sciatic pain
Dominguez et al, 2010^Citation44	85	Sciatic pain
Assini et al, 2010^Citation45	40	Carpal tunnel syndrome
Conigliaro et al, 2011^Citation46	26	Carpal tunnel syndrome

Abbreviation: PEA, palmitoylethanolamide.

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