Is there a role for leukotriene antagonists in the prevention of recurrent nasal polyps?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide the current available data for leukotriene receptor antagonists in the treatment of nasal polyps, the use in the postoperative therapy single or as an add-on to standard treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical treatment of nasal polyps was refined in the last 30 years by the introduction of functional endoscopic sinus surgery and nasal endoscopy for monitoring nasal polyp patients. As the relapse is the main challenge and as nasal steroids only delay it, a more efficient treatment is needed. Leukotriene antagonists have effects on asthma and allergic rhinitis; preliminary data show some benefits in nasal polyps.

SUMMARY

In the surgery of nasal polyps, recurrence is the main problem. Steroids are the current standard therapy, but the limitations are obvious. The role of leukotrienes in the disorder of nasal polyps is well established now, and with the antagonists available, interest rose in treating nasal polyps. A total of 356 patients took part in several studies involving leukotriene antagonists in the nasal polyp population. Some studies have minor levels of evidence; the data show positive effects for patients in preoperative and postoperative studies and medical treatments. There were benefits as an add-on to steroids and data from allergic rhinitis studies also show possible synergism with antihistamines. There are hints for a positive effect on eosinophil inflammation, clinical symptom scores, nasal airflow, sneezing and postnasal drip. Although some effects are shown, more controlled studies are necessary for reliable data.