The efficacy of montelukast monotherapy in moderate persistent asthmatic children.

Although current guidelines place single leukotriene receptor antagonists use as a therapeutic option in mild persistent asthma, there is still uncertainty about its place. In this study efficiency of montelukast monotherapy in children with moderate persistent asthma was evaluated. Children (age 6 to 16) with persistent moderate asthma were treated prospectively with budesonide combined with montelukast (n=20), or only montelukast (n=15) during six months. Asthma symptoms and exacerbations were obtained from diary data. This study suggests that both treatments were effective and well tolerated. It could be concluded that sole montelukast treatment in children with moderate persistent asthma is effective.