Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in spinal cord injury neuropathic pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Sven R Andresen
  • Jette Bing
  • Rikke M Hansen
  • Biering-Sørensen, Fin
  • Inger Lauge Johannesen
  • Ellen Merete Hagen
  • Andrew S C Rice
  • Jørgen F Nielsen
  • Flemming W. Bach
  • Nanna Brix Finnerup

Neuropathic pain and spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) represent significant problems. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a fatty acid amide that is produced in many cells in the body, is thought to potentiate the action of endocannabinoids and to reduce pain and inflammation. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel multicenter study was performed to investigate the effect of ultramicronized PEA (PEA-um) as add-on therapy on neuropathic pain in individuals with SCI. A pain diary was completed and questionnaires were completed before and after the 12-week treatment with either placebo or PEA-um. The primary outcome measure was the change in mean neuropathic pain intensity from the 1-week baseline period to the last week of treatment measured on a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 10. The primary efficacy analysis was the intention to treat (baseline observation carried forward). Secondary outcomes included a per protocol analysis and effects on spasticity, evoked pain, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and global impression of change. We randomized 73 individuals with neuropathic pain due to SCI, of which 5 had a major protocol violation, and thus 68 were included in the primary analysis. There was no difference in mean pain intensity between PEA-um and placebo treatment (P = 0.46, mean reductions in pain scores 0.4 (-0.1 to 0.9) vs 0.7 (0.2-1.2); difference of means 0.3 (-0.4 to 0.9)). There was also no effect of PEA-um as add-on therapy on spasticity, insomnia, or psychological functioning. PEA was not associated with more adverse effects than placebo.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPain
Volume157
Issue number9
Pages (from-to)2097-103
Number of pages7
ISSN0304-3959
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2016

    Research areas

  • Adult, Aged, Analgesics, Analysis of Variance, Double-Blind Method, Ethanolamines, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neuralgia, Palmitic Acids, Spinal Cord Injuries, Treatment Outcome, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

ID: 177482430