Montelukast in mild persistent asthma in children

The efficacy of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in treatment of mild asthma was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty children aged 6 to14 years with mild persistent asthma (asthma history more than 12 months and > or = 15% FEV, improvement after inhaled beta2-agonist in the past, good control of asthma with inhaled cromolyn or budesonide in the last three months) were enrolled. The study included three periods (2 week's each): washout, placebo, and montelukast. Asthma symptoms score (range 0-5) and PEF were estimated twice daily by children. Spirometric parameters FEV, and MEF50 were measured during three consecutive visits: on the day of study inclusion, on the last day of the placebo and montelukast period. RESULTS: The mean value of asthma symptoms score was significantly lower during the montelukast period in comparison with placebo (p = 0.038). The mean PEF values were significantly higher during the montelukast vs. placebo period (p=0.0091). Moreover, in the montelukast period, the mean PEF values in the second week were significantly higher than those in the first week (p=0.003). The mean FEV, predictive value in the last day of the montelukast period was higher, though not significantly, than on the day of study inclusion and on the last day of the placebo period. A similar change in mean MEFS0 values was observed. CONCLUSION: In children aged 6-14 years with mild persistent asthma, montelukast treatment significantly diminishes asthma symptoms and increases mean PEF values comparing to placebo