[Churg-Strauss syndrome after treatment with Singulair (montelukast)].
BACKGROUND
Montelukast is the only available antileukotriene drug in Norway. It works against the inflammation, bronchospasm and airway oedema caused by leukotrienes. In the literature there are some reports on an association between the use of the leukotriene antagonists zafirlukast, pranlukast, montelukast and the appearance of Churg-Strauss syndrome. This rare syndrome is a systemic vasculitis characterized by allergic rhinitis, asthma and prominent peripheral blood eosinophilia.


METHODS
This is a case report of the appearance of Churg-Strauss syndrome in a 20-year-old asthmatic woman treated with montelukast and with no recent oral corticosteroid use.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report in a Nordic country of an association between montelukast and Churg-Strauss syndrome. Although this is a rare association, the clinicians need to be vigilant in all patients who develop systemic symptoms when starting treatment with leukotriene antagonists.
Hammer
Hilde Berner
HB
Seksjon for klinisk immunologi og infeksjonsmedisin Medisinsk avdeling Rikshospitalet 0027 Oslo.
Aukrust
Pål
P
Frøland
Stig S
SS
D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D015267:Churg-Strauss Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011804:Quinolines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013440:Sulfides
D000085:Acetates; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D011804:Quinolines; D013440:Sulfides; C093875:montelukast