Blocking leukotrienes optimize asthma control: the BLOC survey

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Mild-to-moderate persistent asthma often remains inadequately controlled with standard inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA).
• Leukotriene modifiers represent a therapeutic option for add-on asthma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of adding Montelukast, a leukotriene modifier, to existing controller therapies in patients with inadequately controlled mild-to-moderate persistent asthma.
• To assess patient-reported outcomes and asthma control improvements after 4 weeks of Montelukast addition.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study involving 1,490 adult asthmatic patients in Saudi Arabia.
• Patients had symptomatic mild-to-moderate persistent asthma despite ICS +/- LABA therapy.
• Data collected on asthma control and patient perception before and 4 weeks after adding Montelukast.

Main Results:

• Over two-thirds of patients experienced persistent asthma symptoms despite controller medications.
• Adding Montelukast led to symptom improvement in over 80% of patients.
• 92.2% of patients reported feeling better after the addition of Montelukast, irrespective of prior ICS/LABA use.

Conclusions:

• Montelukast demonstrates significant additive benefits in managing mild-to-moderate persistent asthma inadequately controlled by ICS +/- LABA.
• The addition of Montelukast improves patient-reported outcomes and symptom control in this patient population.