[Experience with montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in pediatric patients with asthma].
BACKGROUND
Montelukast is a specific antagonist of leukotrienes' receptors and constitutes a therapeutic option in controlling asthma.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy of montelukast in patients with persistent light asthma, persistent moderate asthma and exercise-induced asthma; to try to reduce or to eliminate doses of inhaled steroid; to reduce the use of short-action beta agonists and to assess its tolerability in pediatric patients.


METHODS
40 patients were studied, 17 female, with an age range from 4 to 11 years and a mean of 7 years. Stratification was made by GINA-established parameters.


RESULTS
Steroid dose could be reduced in 88%, with definitive suspension in 66% of patients. Moreover, an improvement in reducing asthma stratification and the use of rescue drugs were registered. 62% of patients with exercise-induced asthma improved and there was a good tolerance with the same side effects.
Vega López
M
M
Facultad de Medicina de Tampico, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.
Jiménez Ferral
R
R
D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011804:Quinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013440:Sulfides; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000085:Acetates; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D011804:Quinolines; D013440:Sulfides; C093875:montelukast
Experiencia con montelukast, un antagonista de los receptores de leucotrienos, en pacientes pediátricos con asma.