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Effects of montelukast on symptoms and eNO in children with mild to moderate asthma
Author(s) -
Lee MingYung,
Lai YuanSheng,
Yang Kuender D.,
Chen ChunJung,
Hung ChihHsing
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-200x.2005.02142.x
Subject(s) - medicine , montelukast , asthma , exhaled nitric oxide , leukotriene receptor , gastroenterology , agonist , expiration , anesthesia , respiratory system , spirometry , receptor
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a marker reflecting airway inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate whether montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, could be used for the management of asthma and how fast the montelukast sodium decreased airway inflammation as demonstrated by eNO levels.Methods: Twenty children aged 6–14 years (mean age: 9.2 ± 2.4 years; mean weight 30 ± 4.6 kg) with mild to moderate asthma were recruited for the study. They received montelukast plus an inhaled short‐acting beta2 agonist as open and uncontrolled therapy. Asthma score (AS) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and eNO concentrations were measured at pretreatment (0 week) and post‐treatment (1 and 2 weeks) as well as 2 weeks after withdrawal of therapy.Results: In one week, the eNO levels (33.3 ± 15.5 p.p.b. vs 14.8 ± 8.6 p.p.b.; P < 0.05), and AS (4.2 ± 1.3 vs 1.8 ± 1.3; P < 0.05) decreased rapidly, and PEFR (206.9 ± 69.7 L/min vs 236.2 ± 69.8 L/min; P < 0.05) increased. Concurrent beta2 agonist use decreased from a mean ± SD of 2.2 ± 0.4–1.3 ± 0.3 puffs per weeks ( P < 0.05). After the withdrawal of treatment for 2 weeks, the eNO levels (29.2 ± 16.1 p.p.b) rebounded again, although the improvements in AS (1.1 ± 1.3) and PEFR (245.0 ± 91.3 L/min) persisted.Conclusion: Oral montelukast sodium treatment of these children with mild to moderate asthma effectively improved asthmatic symptoms and suppressed airway inflammation in 1 week, suggesting that this leukotriene antagonist combined with short‐acting beta2 agonists may provide effective treatment option in mild to moderate childhood asthma. Larger, controlled, and double‐blinded studies are needed to confirm these preliminary open uncontrolled observations.