Montelukast as an adjunct to oral and inhaled steroid therapy in chronic nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the potential of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, as an adjunct to oral and inhaled steroid in subjects with chronic nasal polyps.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized controlled trial.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight consecutive adult patients with bilateral nasal polyps were randomized into two groups. Eighteen subjects were treated with oral prednisolone for 14 days and budenoside nasal spray for 8 weeks. Twenty subjects received similar treatment with additional oral montelukast for 8 weeks. Subjects completed a modified nasal ICSD symptom score at 8 and 12 weeks after beginning treatment and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Symptom scores improved in both groups after treatment. Subjects treated with montelukast reported significantly less headache (P = 0.013), facial pain (P = 0.048) and sneezing (P = 0.03) than controls. Four weeks after completing treatment, no significant differences were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Montelukast therapy may have clinical benefit as an adjunct to oral and inhaled steroid in chronic nasal polyposis, but effects are not maintained after cessation of treatment.