Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Based on the outcome of several randomized controlled trials, the orally active leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (Singulair, Merck) has been licensed for treatment of asthma. The drug is favored for treating childhood asthma, where a therapeutic challenge has arisen due to poor compliance with inhalation therapy.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the efficiency of and satisfaction with Singulair in asthmatic children under real-life conditions.

METHODS:

Montelukast was prescribed for 6 weeks to a cohort of 506 children aged 2 to 18 years with mild to moderate persistent asthma, who were enrolled by 200 primary care pediatricians countrywide. Four clinical correlates of childhood asthma--wheeze, cough, difficulty in breathing, night awakening--were evaluated from patients' diary cards.

RESULTS:

Due to under-treatment by their physicians, almost 60% of the children were not receiving controller therapy at baseline. By the end of the study, which consisted of montelukast treatment, a significant improvement over baseline was noted in asthma symptoms and severity, as well as in treatment compliance. The participating pediatricians and parents were highly satisfied with the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this extensive study show that the use of montelukast as monotherapy in children presenting with persistent asthma resulted in a highly satisfactory outcome for themselves, their parents and their physicians.