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Published on: August 7, 2017

Effect of montelukast on exhaled NO in asthmatic children exposed to relevant allergens

Giorgio L Piacentini1, Diego G Peroni, Michele Miraglia Del Giudice

  • 1Clinica Pediatrica, Universita' di Verona, Clinica Pediatrica, II Universita' di Napoli, Istituto Pio XII, Misurina, Belluno, Italy.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|May 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Montelukast may help prevent airway inflammation in allergic asthmatic children exposed to allergens. This study found montelukast potentially prevented increased exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels after house dust mite exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) is a marker of airway inflammation in asthma.
  • House Dust Mite (HDM) sensitization is a common trigger for allergic asthma in children.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids are known to reduce HDM-induced FENO elevation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of montelukast in preventing FENO increase in allergic asthmatic children after short-term HDM allergen exposure.
  • To compare montelukast's effect on FENO with fluticasone in a pediatric asthma cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 16 allergic asthmatic children was studied in a controlled alpine environment.
  • FENO levels were measured before (t0) and after (t1) a 2-week exposure to HDM allergens at sea level.
  • Children were treated with either fluticasone or montelukast.

Main Results:

  • Fluticasone treatment showed no significant change in FENO levels post-exposure.
  • Montelukast treatment resulted in a non-statistically significant increase in FENO levels.
  • Preliminary data suggest a potential preventive effect of montelukast on airway inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Oral montelukast may be effective in managing airway inflammation in asthmatic children with intermittent allergen exposure.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm montelukast's role in preventing allergen-induced airway inflammation in pediatric asthma.

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