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Anti-leukotriene therapy in asthma
Z Diamant1, E H Bel, P N Dekhuijzen
1University Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, Department of Pulmonology, The Netherlands. z.diamant@gems.demon.nl
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|November 24, 1998
Summary
Anti-leukotriene therapies offer a novel approach to asthma management, acting as both reliever and controller. These treatments demonstrate efficacy in improving symptoms and lung function, with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Leukotrienes are key inflammatory mediators in asthma.
- Anti-leukotriene therapy represents a targeted strategy for asthma treatment.
- Two main classes exist: leukotriene receptor antagonists and leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and potential of anti-leukotriene drugs in asthma management.
- To assess their role in symptom control, lung function, and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical studies on anti-leukotriene therapies.
- Analysis of data on bronchodilator effects, protection against provocation tests, and clinical outcomes.
- Evaluation of effects on airway inflammation markers like eosinophil counts.
Main Results:
- Comparable bronchodilator effects and protection against various asthma triggers.
- Significant improvements in clinical asthma symptoms and lung function parameters.
- Reduction in the use of beta 2-agonists and corticosteroids.
- Potential decrease in airway eosinophil counts, suggesting anti-inflammatory action.
Conclusions:
- Anti-leukotriene drugs show promise for various asthma types and severities, including in children, due to efficacy and mild side effect profiles.
- Their long-term impact on chronic airway inflammation and structural changes requires further investigation to define their definitive role in asthma management.