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Exhaled nitric oxide before and after montelukast sodium therapy in school-age children with chronic asthma: a

D L Bratton1, M J Lanz, N Miyazawa

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO 80206, USA. brattond@njc.org

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 10, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) is elevated in children with asthma. Montelukast sodium treatment significantly reduced ENO, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect in pediatric asthma management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) serves as a key biomarker for airway inflammation in asthma.
  • Asthma in children often presents with elevated ENO levels compared to healthy controls.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of montelukast sodium on exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) levels in children with mild to moderate persistent asthma.
  • To assess the anti-inflammatory role of leukotriene D4 receptor antagonism in pediatric asthma.

Main Methods:

  • 12 children (6-11 years) with mild to moderate persistent asthma participated.
  • ENO concentrations were measured before, during (4 weeks), and after (2 weeks) montelukast sodium treatment.
  • Pulmonary function (FEV(1)) and albuterol use were also monitored.

Main Results:

  • Baseline ENO was significantly higher in asthmatic children (83 ppb) versus controls (13 ppb).
  • Montelukast sodium treatment significantly reduced ENO (to 58 ppb; P < 0.01), which increased upon withdrawal (69 ppb).
  • No significant correlation was found between ENO changes and improvements in FEV(1) or reduced albuterol use.

Conclusions:

  • Exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) is elevated in children with mild asthma.
  • Montelukast sodium treatment effectively reduces ENO levels in pediatric asthma, indicating an anti-inflammatory action.
  • ENO reduction occurs independently of significant changes in pulmonary function or bronchodilator use.

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