Consensus guidelines for asthma therapy.
OBJECTIVE
This article provides information on the consensus reached by the Antileukotriene Working Group on the role of leukotriene (LT) modifiers in the treatment of asthma.


METHODS
Relevant and appropriate controlled clinical studies were used. Only literature in the English language was reviewed.


METHODS
Material was taken from academic/scholarly journals and appropriate reviews.


RESULTS
Only limited use of LT-modifying agents has been recommended in recently published guidelines of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Consequently, the Antileukotriene Working Group was convened to arrive at a consensus on the wider use of LT modifiers in the treatment of asthma. The group' s purpose was 2-fold: to review and disseminate information on the role of LT modifiers in clinical practice. As determined by the group, a thorough understanding of the patient's disease, patient education, and an effective patient-clinician relationship are key elements in overall patient management.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on evidence from clinical trials and expert opinions of participants comprising the Antileukotriene Working Group, LT-modifying agents potentially may be used as first-line therapy, in combination regimens, and as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma.
Strek
M E
ME
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA. mstrek@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance
D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists