(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Montelukast, a leukotriene-receptor antagonist
(leukotrienes mediate inflammation in the body and play a role in allergic
reactions), decreased incidents of asthma in young children by about 32 percent
while also reducing corticosteroid use, according to a new study.
Researchers in Denmark and colleagues conducted a one-year study involving
549 children from 68 sites in 23 countries. In the study, 278 of the children
received low-dose montelukast once a day for 12 months while 271 of the children
received a placebo.
Results show exacerbation of asthma occurred 1.6 times per patient per year
in those taking montelukast compared with 2.24 incidents per patient per year in
the placebo group.
The study also shows overall corticosteroid use was cut by 32 percent in
those who took Montelukast, and inhaled corticosteroid use decreased by 40
percent.
The authors note, however, that montelukast shouldn't necessarily be used
year round. Instead, the medication should be reserved more for seasonal use,
especially before the viral season when the common cold can induce up to 85
percent of childhood asthma exacerbations.
SOURCE: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
2005;171:315-322
