Montelukast in asthmatic patients 6 years-14 years old with an FEV1 > 75%

Montelukast in paediatric asthma and allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We aim to assess the impact of montelukast on paediatric patients with asthma/allergic rhinitis, measured using patient-reported outcome measures, compared with other treatments or placebo.

METHODS

Protocol registration CRD42020216098 (www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO). MEDLINE and Embase databases were used to conduct the search. Two authors independently selected studies and extracted data, and a third reviewer resolved discrepancies. Meta-analyses were constructed to estimate the standardised mean difference (SMD) using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Out of 3937 articles identified, 49 studies met the inclusion criteria, mostly randomised clinical trials (sample sizes: 21-689 patients). The SMD of change pooled estimators for the global, mental and physical domains of health-related quality of life were not statistically significant. For daytime and night-time symptoms scores, the SMD (95% CI) was in favour of inhaled corticosteroids (-0.12, -0.20- -0.05 and -0.23, -0.41- -0.06, respectively). The pooled estimator for global asthma symptoms was better for montelukast when compared with placebo (0.90, 0.44-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The synthesis of the available evidence suggests that, in children and adolescents, montelukast was effective in controlling asthma symptoms when compared with placebo, but inhaled corticosteroids were superior in controlling symptoms, especially at night-time. These findings of our systematic review concur with current guidelines for asthma treatment.

Physician specialty influences important aspects of pediatric asthma management

BACKGROUND

Physician training influences patient care.

OBJECTIVE

To compare asthma management and change in the percentage predicted FEV1 among pediatric physician specialties.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of children 6 years of age or older, seen in a multidisciplinary asthma clinic between 2009 and 2010, and followed to 2012, was completed to examine differences in asthma outcomes by specialty (2 pediatricians, 3 pediatric allergists, 5 pediatric respirologists). Univariate analyses compared investigation, including allergy testing (skin prick or RAST), comorbid conditions, and prescription by specialty. Multivariate regression, which controlled for random effect of the individual physician, examined specialty differences for prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and changes in percentage predicted FEV1.

RESULTS

More than 56% of the patients (309/548) were seen by pediatric respirologists, 26% by pediatric allergists, and 18% by pediatricians. Physician specialty influences investigation requested, comorbid diagnoses, treatment, and improvement in FEV1. Pediatric allergists' patients had more allergy tests, were more likely to be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and, consequently, were more likely to be prescribed nasal steroids than pediatricians and pediatric respirologists. Pediatricians were less likely to prescribe ICS (odds ratio 0.39 [95% CI, 0.15-0.96]; P < .05) than pediatric allergists, with the greatest difference in ICS prescription among children with a percentage predicted FEV1 ≥ 80%. Improvement in FEV1 among children who received care with pediatric allergists was higher than those seen by pediatricians (13%; P < .001) and pediatric respirologists (8%; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient management domains with the greatest room for discretion (investigations, comorbid diagnoses, and treatment with ICS among children with normal lung function) are most heavily influenced by physician specialty. These results have implications for asthma management at the patient level and in future practice guidelines.

Montelukast in the treatment of asthma and beyond

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide. The common association with allergic rhinitis and the presence of proinflammatory cells and mediators in the circulation of patients qualify asthma as a systemic disease. This characteristic and the fact that the gold-standard therapy for persistent asthma, inhaled corticosteroids, cannot suppress all components of airway inflammation and fail to adequately penetrate into the small airways, warrant the quest for effective systemic anti-asthma therapies. This review describes the most important controlled studies of montelukast, a once-daily leukotriene receptor antagonist, in asthma and allergic rhinitis in both adults and children. Montelukast is a systemically active drug with a targeted, dual mechanism of action, acting both as a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory. In patients of all ages, montelukast has shown a favorable safety profile and was well-tolerated. Both as monotherapy or in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, montelukast produced clinically relevant improvements in asthma-related parameters, including symptoms, lung function parameters, quality of life and the number of asthma exacerbations. Furthermore, bronchoprotective effects have been reported both against specific and nonspecific bronchoactive stimuli. Similarly, in patients with allergic rhinitis, montelukast produced substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Long-term studies aimed to determine its effects on airway remodeling are still lacking.

Montelukast in the treatment of asthma as a systemic disease

Asthma affects 300 million people worldwide. The common association of asthma with allergic rhinitis and the presence of proinflammatory mediators in the circulation of patients provide strong evidence for the need to treat asthma as a systemic disease. The leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast is a disease-specific oral medication that has dual effects on airway smooth muscle cells and inflammatory processes. This review describes recent randomized, controlled studies of montelukast in asthma and allergic rhinitis in adults and children as young as 3 months old. Montelukast treatment consistently produced significant reductions in asthma exacerbations. While many patients may benefit from montelukast as monotheray, combination treatment for chronic asthma with inhaled corticosteroids is advocated as being rational. Significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life were observed in allergic rhinitis patients. Montelukast is well tolerated in patients of all ages. Long-term studies are underway to determine its effects on airway remodeling.

Asthma in childhood

Management decisions for pediatric asthma (in patients younger than 12 years of age) based on extrapolation from available evidence in adolescents and adults (age 12 years and older) is common but rarely appropriate. This article addresses the disparity in response between the two age groups, presents the available pediatric evidence, and highlights the important areas in which further research is required. Evidence-based recommendations for acute and interval management of pediatric asthma are provided.

Exposure to tobacco smoke increases leukotriene E4-related albuterol usage and response to montelukast

BACKGROUND

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are important mediators of asthma in children. Predictors of susceptibility to CysLT effects have not been developed.

OBJECTIVES

To identify susceptibility markers to CysLT effects and montelukast response.

METHODS

Twenty-seven schoolchildren were followed for 5 months with measurements of urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE(4)), cotinine, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and monitoring of albuterol use. After a baseline run-in, children were randomized to receive daily montelukast or placebo without change in their current controller medications.

RESULTS

At baseline, a significant (P = .003) positive association was observed between LTE(4) levels and albuterol use 2 days later. LTE(4)-related albuterol usage (ie, change per interquartile increase in LTE(4)) declined significantly after montelukast treatment (12% decline; P = .0005 for relative difference between intervals) but not placebo (2% increase; P = .80). Declines in LTE(4)-related albuterol usage between intervals tended to be greater in girls (P = .01 for girls; P = .21 for boys; P = .07 for interaction) and were greater among children with higher cotinine levels (P = .01 for high cotinine group; P = .17 for low cotinine group; P = .04 for interaction). Children with high LTE(4) levels relative to FENO demonstrated significant (P = .05) declines in LTE(4)-related albuterol usage between intervals (P = .89 for low ratio group; P = .25 for interaction).

CONCLUSION

Increased individual CysLT levels are associated with subsequent albuterol usage. CysLT-related albuterol usage and montelukast responsiveness are increased in children exposed to tobacco smoke and tend to be greater in girls than boys. Measurement of LTE(4) to FENO ratios may help predict susceptibility to montelukast.

Montelukast in pediatric asthma management

Leukotriene modifiers (receptor antagonist and biosynthesis inhibitor) represent the first mediator specific therapeutic option for asthma. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist is the only such agent approved for use in pediatric patients. Montelukast modifies action of leukotrienes, which are the most potent bronchoconstrictors, by blocking Cysteinyl leukotriene receptors. Systemic drug like mountelukast can reach lower airways and improves the peripheral functions which play a crucial role in the evolution of asthma. Review of existing literature showed that montelukast compared to placebo has proven clinical efficacy in better control of day time asthma symptoms, percentage of symptom free days, need for rescue drugs and improvement in FEV 1. Studies also demonstrated improvement in airway inflammation as indicated by reduction in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, a marker of inflammation. Studies comparing low dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with montelukast are limited in children and conclude that it is not superior to ICS. For moderate to severe persistent asthma, montelukast has been compared with long acting beta agonists (LABA) as an add-on therapy to ICS, montelukast was less efficacious and less cost-effective. It has beneficial effects in exercise induced asthma and aspirin-sensitive asthma. Montelukast has onset of action within one hour. Patient satisfaction and compliance was better with montelukast than inhaled anti-inflammatory agents due to oral, once a day administration. The recommended doses of montelukast in asthma are- children 1-5 years: 4 mg chewable tablet, children 6-14 years: 5mg chewable tablet,

ADULTS

10mg tablet; administered once daily. The drug is well tolerated. Based on the presently available data montelukast may be an alternative treatment for mild persistent asthma as monotherapy where ICS cannot be administered. It is also an alternative to LABA as an add-on therapy to ICS for moderate to severe persistent asthma. The other indications for use of montelukast include: allergic rhinitis, exercise induced bronchoconstriction and aspirin-induced asthma.

Safety, tolerability, and exploratory efficacy of montelukast in 6- to 24-month-old patients with asthma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and tolerability profile of montelukast 4-mg oral granules compared with placebo in children aged 6-24 months with asthma.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Children 6-24 months of age at first visit with a history of at least three episodes of physician-diagnosed asthma or 'asthma-like' symptoms and in need of controller therapy were randomized to either montelukast 4-mg oral granules or placebo once daily in the evening for 6 weeks. The primary variables were the frequency of clinical and laboratory adverse experiences. The exploratory efficacy endpoints included days without beta-agonist use, beta-agonist use per day, unscheduled physician or hospital visits for asthma, oral corticosteroid rescues for asthma, asthma attacks, discontinuation due to worsening of asthma, and total blood peripheral eosinophil counts.

RESULTS

The most common clinical adverse experiences were upper respiratory tract infection, asthma, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting occurring with similar frequencies between treatment groups. There were no clinically meaningful differences between the two treatment groups in clinical or laboratory adverse experiences and no significant differences in frequency of patients with elevated serum transaminases. Differences between the montelukast and placebo treatment groups in the exploratory efficacy endpoints of days without beta-agonist use, oral corticosteroid rescues, emergency care, asthma attacks, and discontinuations due to worsening asthma were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Montelukast, 4-mg oral granules, was well tolerated over 6 weeks of treatment in children aged 6-24 months with asthma.